Bengaluru road rage row: Karnataka HC restrains police from coercive action against IAF Commander Shiladitya Bose

The Karnataka High Court has restrained the Bengaluru police from initiating any coercive action against Indian Air Force Commander Shiladitya Bose in the infamous road rage row involving a call centre employee.

Hearing a petition moved by Bose challenging the FIR registered against him, the High Court directed police to follow due procedure while summoning the IAF officer for the probe. Hearing the matter, Justice Hemant Chandangoudar also directed police not to file a charge-sheet in the matter without the court’s prior permission. The court, in its interim order, directed the IAF officer to cooperate with the investigation.

A huge row erupted after IAF Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose alleged on April 21 that he and his wife were allegedly attacked by motorcycle-borne Kannadigas while he was en route to Bengaluru airport. The incident came to light after Bose published a video on social media with a bleeding face.  Bengaluru police registered a complaint based on Bose’s wife, IAF Squadron Leader Madhumita’s complaint and arrested Vikas Kumar, a call centre employee.

However, CCTV footage that emerged later showed the IAF officer attacking Kumar. Kumar filed a counter-complaint with the police. Cops registered a case against the officer for 'attempt to murder' and other relevant charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Kumar’s mother Jyothi said they had initially decided to overlook the issue and avoid complaining to the police, but the IAF officer raked up the matter.

As the issue blew out of proportion, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the IAF commander made unwarranted and derogatory remarks about Karnataka and Kannadigas, “displaying conduct that is deeply disrespectful and inflammatory”. He urged Kannadigas not to succumb to provocation or emotion and added Bengaluru police have been directed to take appropriate legal action against the individuals in the matter.