Mysuru: Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner M.K. Savitha has clarified that the attack on Raghu, 29, a member of the MCC’s Abhaya-1 team and a resident of Ganesh Nagar, was not linked to the removal of unauthorised flex banners in NR Constituency.

Raghu, who sustained stab injuries to his face, chest and arms, is recovering at K.R. Hospital. The clarification came in response to a report published in SOM yesterday under the headline, ‘MCC staff who went to clear flex brutally attacked!’

Following the report, the MCC Commissioner Savitha visited K.R. Hospital, enquired about Raghu’s health and assured  him of support. Earlier, MCC DC (Administration) M. Dasegowda has also called on Raghu.

According to the MCC, the incident occurred around 10.50 pm on Oct. 4 when a Ganesha procession was passing near FTS Circle. A clash broke out between two groups, reportedly over earlier personal differences.

An Abhaya-1 patrol vehicle and its staff were stationed by the roadside at the time. Members of one of the groups confronted the ‘Abhaya’ personnel and questioned them about their alleged support for the rival group. Though the staff explained that they were on official duty, Raghu was allegedly attacked.

Police personnel from the Narasimharaja (NR) Police Station, who were nearby, intervened immediately.

One of the accused was caught on the spot and taken to the Police Station, while another was arrested later that night. Raghu was shifted to K.R. Hospital for treatment.

The Police registered a case (FIR No. 223/2026 dated Oct. 5, 2026) and arrested Madesha and Akash. They were later remanded to Judicial Custody.

“This was not a flex-banner issue. The attack occurred during a clash between two groups and our ‘Abhaya’ staff member was unfortunately caught in the violence,” MCC Commissioner said in the clarification.

When the victim himself says that he was attacked while the MCC ‘Abhaya’ team was removing the flex-banners…

• Why is the MCC bringing in group rivalry angle into it?
• Why is the MCC trying to shift the focus away from flex-banners removal?
• Is the MCC trying to protect politicians and their supporters who put up unauthorised flex-banners and attacked the Mysuru City Corporation employee?