Doctor booked for dumping medical waste into rural lake - The HinduPublished - June 21, 2026 09:35 pm IST - BengaluruThe Nelamangala police have registered an FIR against a private doctor for allegedly dumping biomedical waste into Yantaganahalli Lake in Bengaluru Rural district, following directions from the Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj 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 recovered from the site belonged to his hospital.The action followed a surprise visit by Minister Khandre to the Yantaganahalli Gram Panchayat, during which residents informed him that medical waste was being dumped into the lake. He immediately directed the Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer to inspect the site and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.Acting on the Minister’s instructions, Panchayat Executive Officer Bindu conducted a spot inspection and submitted a report with photographic evidence. Based on the findings, Taluk Medical Officer Padmini lodged a complaint at the Nelamangala Police Station.During the inspection, officials found used syringes, blood-stained cotton, and bandages packed in cement bags and dumped into a canal that feeds water into the lake. The authorities expressed concern that the contamination could pose a serious public health risk, as the lake water is used by residents and livestock.The FIR states that Dr. Sagar acknowledged that the biomedical waste originated from his hospital.In a statement issued 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 drinking water sources, endangering public health and the environment.Published - June 21, 2026 09:35 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }