Bengaluru: A 41-year-old businessman has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 65-year-old man in a road rage incident at Kengeri in west Bengaluru. The accused, B Naveen, a resident of RR Layout in Nagadevanahalli, was produced before a court on Monday and remanded to judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison.
Police said Naveen was previously arrested in a 2024 murder case, which is currently pending before a court.
Incident near residence
According to the complaint, the victim, Nanjundappa (65), was walking near Naveen’s residence around 5.30 pm on Sunday. Naveen was driving his hatchback car and allegedly became irritated on seeing Nanjundappa walking close to the parking space outside his house.
Investigators said Nanjundappa was unaware that Naveen was approaching to park his vehicle. CCTV footage collected from nearby houses reportedly shows Naveen honking continuously as he approached the spot.
Reacting to the repeated honking, Nanjundappa is said to have gestured that Naveen could drive freely as the road was otherwise empty. He also questioned why the driver was honking when he was walking on the extreme left side and not obstructing the vehicle in any manner.
Assault caught on CCTV
Police said Naveen allegedly lost his temper, got out of the car and began verbally abusing the elderly man. The situation quickly escalated into a physical assault.
According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, Naveen pushed Nanjundappa to the ground and allegedly sat on his chest while attacking him. Hearing Nanjundappa’s cries for help, Naveen’s family members, including two women, came out of the house and attempted to intervene.
However, the assault reportedly continued until neighbours, passersby and other commuters gathered at the scene and pulled Naveen away from the victim. Family members then pushed Naveen back inside the house.
Complaint and arrest
Nanjundappa was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment following the incident. After receiving medical care, he approached the Kengeri Police Station and filed a formal complaint.
Police said they acted swiftly on the complaint, registering a case under relevant sections pertaining to assault and criminal intimidation. Naveen was arrested and produced before the jurisdictional magistrate court on Monday. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.
A senior police officer said further investigation is under way, including examination of CCTV footage and statements from eyewitnesses.
Concerns over rising road rage incidents
The incident has sparked concern among residents over increasing cases of road rage and public altercations in residential neighbourhoods. Local residents said the area is usually calm and expressed shock at the severity of the assault.
Police have urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise restraint and resolve minor disputes amicably rather than resorting to violence. “Road rage incidents can quickly escalate and lead to serious consequences. We appeal to the public to remain patient and avoid confrontations,” an officer said.
With Naveen now lodged in judicial custody and the case under investigation, authorities said appropriate action will follow based on the evidence collected. The episode serves as a reminder of the need for civility and composure on city roads.