A doctor commissioned to dump medical waste into a country lake

Nelamangal police have registered an FIR against a private doctor for allegedly dumping biomedical waste in Yantaganahalli lake in Bengaluru rural district on the directions of Karnataka Rural Development Minister and Panchayat Minister Eshwar Khandre.

The accused has been identified as Arun Girish Sagar, a private practitioner. According to the FIR, the doctor admitted that the waste seized at the spot belonged to his hospital.

The action followed Minister Khandre’s surprise visit to Yantaganahalli Gram Panchayat, during which residents informed him that medical waste was being dumped in the lake. He immediately directed the Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer to investigate the spot and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

The Executive Director of Panchayat Bindu, as directed by the Minister, conducted a spot check and submitted a report with photographic evidence. Based on the findings, the doctor of Taluk Padmini lodged a complaint with the Nelamangala police station.

During the inspection, officials found used syringes, blood-stained cotton and bandages wrapped in cement bags and dumped in a canal that feeds water to the lake. Authorities have expressed concern that the contamination could pose a serious risk to public health, as water from the lake is used by residents and livestock.

The FIR states that Dr. Sagar acknowledged that the biomedical waste came from his hospital.

In a statement on Sunday, Minister Khandre’s office said the case should serve as a warning to those who dispose of hazardous waste in lakes, ponds, wells, rivers and other sources of drinking water, endangering public health and the environment.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 21:35 IST