Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have issued a clarification regarding a viral social media post that claimed a pregnant woman was stranded in a traffic gridlock caused by road restrictions imposed for the movement of the Karnataka Governor’s convoy.
The clarification came hours after a video of a distressed motorist sitting on the road amid heavy traffic congestion sparked widespread discussion on social media and renewed debate over VIP movement and traffic management in the city.
Police inquiry finds woman was not in vehicle
In a statement posted on X on Monday night, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (East Traffic) said an inquiry had been conducted into the incident after the video gained significant attention online.
According to the police, the investigation revealed that the man involved in the incident was travelling alone at the time and that his pregnant wife was not inside the vehicle as initially claimed in the viral posts.
The traffic police stated that they wanted to reiterate that ambulances and genuine medical emergency cases are always given priority during traffic regulation measures, including those related to the movement of VIP convoys.
Officials stressed that emergency vehicles and individuals requiring urgent medical assistance are facilitated whenever such situations arise on city roads.
Viral video triggered public reaction
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when traffic restrictions were reportedly in place for the movement of the Governor’s convoy.
In the widely circulated video, a motorist was seen stepping out of his vehicle amid a growing traffic jam and sitting on the road in front of police personnel deployed for traffic management.
The man appeared visibly frustrated and was heard telling officers that his pregnant wife required urgent medical attention. He questioned the prioritisation of VIP movement while ordinary citizens were facing delays on congested roads.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, attracting widespread attention and generating criticism of traffic disruptions caused by the movement of dignitaries.
Motorist issues clarification
Before the police released their official statement, the motorist involved in the incident, identified as Mohit, posted his own clarification on social media.
He stated that he had been travelling to pick up his pregnant wife from home for medical reasons and that she was not inside the car when the traffic congestion occurred.
Mohit explained that his decision to sit on the road was driven by frustration arising from the situation at that moment.
He further stated that the incident had drawn attention to a larger issue faced by commuters in many cities, particularly the inconvenience caused by prolonged traffic restrictions during VIP movements.
The motorist also thanked members of the public who had expressed concern and support following the circulation of the video.
Police warn against spreading misinformation
In a separate post, the Bengaluru Traffic Police urged social media users to verify facts before sharing or sensationalising incidents.
The department emphasised the importance of responsible use of social media and cautioned against circulating unverified information that could create misunderstandings or public confusion.
Officials also stated that appropriate legal action could be initiated against individuals found to be spreading false or misleading information online.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns about misinformation and the rapid spread of inaccurate claims through social media platforms.
Debate over VIP traffic restrictions continues
The incident has reignited public discussion regarding traffic management during VIP movements in Bengaluru, a city already known for its chronic congestion problems.
Many citizens have expressed concerns over the impact of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions on daily commuters. Others have argued that authorities must strike a balance between ensuring security for dignitaries and minimising inconvenience to the public.
The viral video became a focal point for these concerns, even as subsequent clarifications altered the narrative surrounding the incident.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru Traffic Police have clarified that the pregnant woman mentioned in the viral convoy traffic incident was not inside the vehicle at the time and that the motorist was travelling alone. While the episode sparked widespread debate over VIP traffic management and public inconvenience, police have reiterated that medical emergencies always receive priority and have urged citizens to verify information before sharing it online.