Watch Video: ‘Why Need Permission?’: Residents’ Silent Protest Over Potholes Halted by Police
Watch Video: ‘Why Need Permission?’: Residents’ Silent Protest Over Potholes Halted by Police
Peaceful demonstration against poor infrastructure turns into a standoff in the city’s IT corridor.
Bengaluru’s IT corridor witnessed a dramatic standoff earlier today when residents protesting against poor roads and crumbling infrastructure were stopped by police. Videos of the incident, shared online by journalist Deepak Bopanna, show citizens holding a silent demonstration outside their apartment complexes before authorities intervened.
The residents’ demand was straightforward: better roads and improved civic amenities. Many have long complained about the daily struggle of commuting through pothole-ridden streets despite living in one of India’s prime tech hubs.
However, the silent protest was cut short as police arrived and asked people to disperse, citing a lack of official permission. Protesters argued that they were standing peacefully without causing disruption, but officers maintained that prior approval was necessary.
The incident has sparked outrage online. Social media users slammed the police response, questioning why citizens need permission to ask for basic amenities. One user wrote, “Why do people need permission to protest peacefully?”
Standoff in the IT corridor between residents and cops for protesting over poor infrastructure in their area.
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) September 20, 2025
Residents tried to hold silent protests outside apartments demanding better roads, cops stopped protestors citing lack of permission. Visuals from Lakeside Habitat apt. pic.twitter.com/4HUYZvz76C
Another remarked, “We are only asking for good roads, which helps everyone. Preventing such protests is unfair to tax-paying citizens.”
Some also praised the residents for showing courage, urging more people to hold authorities accountable. Others even joked that citizens should “protest in their cars” since that would only appear as regular traffic.
Amid the rising criticism, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the potholes are “not created” but develop because of “natural causes” and heavy rain.
“We are here to sort out the problem. The BJP is doing politics, let them do whatever they want. This evening, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also conducting a meeting. Potholes are caused by nature, no one wants to create them. The increase in vehicles, heavy traffic, and excessive rain in Bengaluru has led to potholes. We have already filled more than 7,000 potholes, and there are still over 5,000 left on Bengaluru’s roads. We have asked the Police Commissioner to submit a report on the condition of potholes,” he said
The episode has once again highlighted the long-standing issue of poor infrastructure in Bengaluru, where residents continue to demand accountability and safer roads.
