Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) plan to launch a city-wide drive to make Mysuru a ‘flex-free city’ from today (Oct. 6) has suffered a setback after a worker engaged in removing unauthorised flex banners was stabbed by two minor boys.
Following the attack, MCC workers have sought Police protection before resuming the drive, saying their safety is at risk while removing illegal banners.
The incident occurred at around 11.30 pm on Sunday at FTS Circle in the Narasimharaja Constituency. Raghu, 29, a member of the MCC’s Abhaya-1 team and a resident of Ganesh Nagar, sustained stab injuries to his face, chest and arms.
He was rushed to K.R. Hospital, where he received around 30 stitches in the ICU. After two days of treatment, Raghu has now been shifted to the General Ward at the Stone Building.
According to the case registered at the Narasimharaja Police Station, two minor boys allegedly attacked Raghu with knives while the team was removing unauthorised political and religious banners.
Another person was also attacked, but suffered only minor scratches and did not require hospitalisation.
The incident has brought the flex-banner removal drive to a halt across the city, with workers refusing to resume the operation without adequate security.
MCC staff told the authorities that they face strong opposition and threats at several locations while removing illegal banners. They have now sought Police protection for teams involved in future banner removal operations.
The MCC workers said, they were willing to carry out the drive but wanted adequate security arrangements to be put in place first.
‘Flex-free Mysuru’ not limited to Dasara
Meanwhile, the MCC is planning to make Mysuru a flex-banner-free city throughout the year and not just during the Dasara season.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha said, the Civic Body would launch a special drive to remove unauthorised flex boards, banners and posters across city.
“We want to keep the city clean and maintain its appearance throughout the year. Elected representatives and political leaders have extended their support and given suggestions for effective implementation,” she said.
“Mysuru is a major tourist destination and unauthorised flex banners create visual clutter and inconvenience visitors. I appeal to the public to co-operate as the enforcement drive begins across the city,” she added.
The drive, titled ‘Flex-free Mysuru’, follows directions issued at Dasara meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Oct. 3 to remove unauthorised flex boards, banners and posters.