Bengaluru Road Rage Incident: IAF Officer Not Named in FIR, Biker Released on Bail

Bengaluru Road Rage Incident: IAF Officer Not Named in FIR, Biker Released on Bail

A recent road rage incident in Bengaluru’s CV Raman Nagar has stirred public attention and debate, particularly over how the case has been handled by law enforcement. The clash involved Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose of the Indian Air Force and a 26-year-old call centre employee, Vikas Kumar. The confrontation, caught on CCTV, challenges the initial narrative and raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

The Incident: Claims vs. CCTV Reality

According to reports, the altercation began on the road, where an aggressive exchange allegedly escalated into physical violence. Following the incident, Wing Commander Bose released a video with visible injuries, claiming that he was assaulted because of his association with the defence establishment. He accused the biker of targeting him after noticing a DRDO sticker on the vehicle and of using abusive language in Kannada.

However, CCTV footage later surfaced that tells a different story. The visuals reportedly show the officer repeatedly punching Vikas Kumar and smashing his phone, even as bystanders attempted to restrain him. This stark contradiction has led to a wave of public criticism, questioning the impartiality of the investigation.

Legal Proceedings and FIR Details

Despite the footage, the FIR filed does not name Wing Commander Bose as an accused. Instead, it refers to an unnamed male driver of a Maruti Suzuki car, who has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 109 (Attempt to commit murder)

• Section 115(2) (Causing hurt)

• Section 304 (Snatching)

• Section 324 (Mischief)

• Section 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace)

Vikas Kumar, on the other hand, has also been booked under Sections 115(2) and 116(h) (Grievous hurt) of the BNS. His mother, who was present during his arrest, mentioned that they initially refrained from filing a complaint, hoping to resolve the matter peacefully.

Political and Public Response

The incident has now drawn political attention, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issuing a strong statement. He has instructed police to act “in accordance with the law,” regardless of the individuals involved. "Whether it’s a Wing Commander or anyone else, action will be taken as per the law," he emphasized.

A Broader Conversation on Accountability

This incident has not only sparked legal scrutiny but also a broader conversation on bias, power dynamics, and public trust in law enforcement. The discrepancy between initial claims and the CCTV evidence underscores the importance of objective investigation and the role of digital evidence in modern justice.

As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether justice will be served equally—and transparently—for both parties involved.