Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 22: The Bengaluru police have filed an FIR against Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose in connection with a road rage incident involving Vikas Kumar, a local biker and call centre employee, who has since been released on station bail.
The altercation, which took place under the jurisdiction of the Byappanahalli police station, escalated after both parties filed complaints. While the officer’s wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Das, initially alleged that Kumar had attacked her husband and damaged their vehicle, CCTV footage that later emerged appeared to show Bose kicking, punching, and allegedly choking the biker. Based on this evidence, police released Kumar on bail.
The FIR against Bose has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 304 (snatching forcefully), 324 (mischief), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).
Conflicting claims and viral video
The incident gained widespread attention after Wing Commander Bose released a video on social media claiming that he was attacked by a local youth for not speaking Kannada.
In the video, Bose alleged the biker punched him with his keys, tried to damage the car with a stone, and bit him. He also expressed concern for the safety of his wife and child in Bengaluru.
However, the video drew strong criticism from Kannada organisations, who condemned what they described as an attempt to frame the incident as a language-based conflict. They also criticised the police for initially arresting only the biker.
Vikas Kumar, in his complaint, stated that the officer kicked his bike following a minor collision, then assaulted him repeatedly, threw away his phone and keys, and attempted to strangle him. “When I questioned why they hit the bike, the officer kicked it. When I objected, he assaulted me,” Kumar alleged.
His mother, Jyothi, demanded the arrest of the officer, stating, “It is not fair for officers to assault my son like this.”
Police and government response
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed that both a complaint and counter-complaint had been filed and that the matter was being thoroughly investigated. “There was an argument between the biker and the officer. The officer’s wife was driving. Investigations have shown that social media claims are inaccurate,” he said.
DCP East D Devaraju called it a "clear case of road rage" and noted that both parties had injuries when they arrived at the police station. “Both sides could have avoided the incident,” he added.
Meanwhile, Defence officials visited the Byappanahalli police station to collect details. Police have also recorded statements from eyewitnesses, some of whom claim that despite Squadron Leader Das pleading with her husband to stop, he continued to beat the biker.
Officer leaves for West Bengal
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told the media that Wing Commander Bose had left for West Bengal, but assured that the state government would pursue the case.
“An FIR has been filed. The police will investigate and take steps to secure his custody,” he said.
The case continues to attract public attention as authorities proceed with the investigation and legal action.