Bengaluru: A disturbing video from the city’s busy RT Nagar area has triggered widespread outrage on social media after it showed a traffic police officer allegedly slapping a cab driver during an argument near the Shell petrol station flyover.
According to the post shared with the viral clip, the incident occurred when the cab driver had parked his vehicle for a few minutes, leading to a heated confrontation with the officer. Eyewitnesses claimed that the officer began yelling and abusing the driver before allegedly slapping him in public.
Video of altercation goes viral
The 90-second video, reportedly recorded by a bystander from a nearby car, shows the traffic cop and the cab driver engaged in a tense verbal exchange on a busy road. The officer can be seen trying to snatch the driver’s phone, while the driver resists, leading to further commotion.
As vehicles continue to pass, the driver attempts to explain his side of the story, but the officer pulls him aside, and both continue arguing. The clip ends abruptly but captures the officer’s aggressive demeanour.
The video, posted online on October 22, has already garnered over two lakh views and has sparked intense debate about police conduct in public spaces.
Public anger and mixed reactions online
Social media users reacted strongly to the footage. While some defended the cop’s duty, many condemned the use of violence and called for stricter accountability.
One user wrote, “Cab driver parking at the wrong spot is not innocent. While assault by the officer must be condemned, parking violations also cause traffic chaos.”
Another commented, “The uniform is meant to command respect, not fear. When a minor parking dispute escalates to assault, it reflects a deep systemic issue.”
Many others expressed disappointment over what they described as “an abuse of power”, urging the Bengaluru Traffic Police to investigate the matter.
Witnesses call it “a bad job from the traffic cop”
Eyewitnesses near the RT Nagar flyover described the officer’s behaviour as unprofessional and unnecessary. “He could have just issued a challan or warned the driver, but instead, he lost his temper. It was a very bad job from the traffic cop,” one witness said.
Some local residents also voiced frustration at repeated incidents of police misconduct in the area, claiming such episodes erode public trust in law enforcement.
Calls for accountability
Several users tagged the Bengaluru City Police and DCP Traffic East on social media, demanding immediate action against the officer involved. The police have not yet released an official statement on the incident, but internal sources said that the matter is being looked into.
Public pressure continues to grow online, with many urging authorities to review CCTV footage and ensure disciplinary measures if misconduct is proven.
Broader concerns about police behaviour
The incident has reignited debate over the behavioural training and accountability of law enforcement officers. Some users shared their own experiences of alleged harassment and bribery by traffic officials in Bengaluru.
A commenter alleged, “These traffic policemen near Krishna Mills Circle once fined me ₹500 for a false signal jump. They manipulated the signal and forced me to pay. Such corruption is rampant.”
Citizens have also emphasised the need for body cameras and transparent disciplinary mechanisms to prevent such incidents in future.
Conclusion
As the video continues to circulate, residents have urged authorities to handle the case sensitively and fairly. The Bengaluru Police are expected to verify the authenticity of the footage and identify the officer seen in the clip.
This latest incident once again highlights the growing tension between citizens and enforcement agencies, underscoring the urgent need for reforms that balance discipline with dignity in public service.