Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 23: In the wake of the recent road rage incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and a local biker, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has assured Vikas Kumar, the victim, of justice and the state government's full support.
Shivakumar reached out personally to Kumar, a call centre employee, following a widely discussed altercation in Nagavarapalya, Bengaluru, in which IAF Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose was seen in CCTV footage physically assaulting the biker.
Taking to social media platform X, Shivakumar wrote, “I called and consoled Vikas Kumar, the Kannadiga who was assaulted in connection with the Nagavarpalya incident. If Kannadigas are in trouble, the Karnataka government will stand by them; we are committed to ensuring that the culprits are brought to justice.”
A statement from the office of the deputy Chief Minister added, “Shivakumar offered Kumar words of encouragement. He assured that justice would be ensured in this case and told him there is no need to fear anything.”
The incident initially gained attention after Wing Commander Bose uploaded a video claiming he was attacked for not speaking Kannada. Vikas Kumar was arrested, but subsequent CCTV footage contradicted the officer’s claim, showing Bose overpowering, kicking, and punching Kumar. Following the emergence of the video, Kumar was granted bail.
The case has since taken a serious turn, with an FIR registered against Wing Commander Bose under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections:
The incident has drawn considerable public attention, particularly in Karnataka, where issues relating to linguistic identity have long been sensitive. Reacting earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the officer’s behaviour was provoking the pride and sentiments of Kannada-speaking people.
In response, the Indian Air Force released an official statement, calling the incident “unfortunate” and assuring “full cooperation with local authorities in investigating and following up the case to its lawful resolution.”
The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Byappanahalli police station, and investigations are ongoing.