Bengaluru: In a shocking incident triggered by a drunken altercation after a local cricket tournament, a 33-year-old man was allegedly run over and killed by his friend in the Electronics City area of Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has sent shockwaves through the city after police confirmed that the accused deliberately rammed his car, resulting in the victim’s death on the spot.
The deceased has been identified as Prashanth M, a resident of Veerasandra and a professional bodybuilder. The accused, Roshan Hegde (37), a software engineer, has been taken into custody. Police officials said the incident followed a heated argument after their cricket team lost a local match.
Argument after cricket match turns violent
According to police, the incident took place on an open ground behind a mall in Electronics City, where a group of men had gathered to play a friendly cricket match on Sunday afternoon. After the match concluded, the group allegedly consumed alcohol at the same location.
Police investigations revealed that Prashanth and Roshan, who were friends and part of the same group, began arguing after the match. What started as a minor disagreement soon escalated due to intoxication.
“In a drunken state, Prashanth allegedly approached Roshan asking for a lighter and abused him, which led to a heated argument,” a senior police officer said, quoting preliminary findings.
Beer bottles used in scuffle
The argument soon turned physical, with both men allegedly attacking each other using beer bottles. Other members of the group reportedly attempted to intervene, but the situation spiralled out of control.
After the scuffle, Roshan walked away from the ground and got into his Tata Safari SUV, intending to leave the spot. However, police said Prashanth chased the vehicle as it began moving along the Veerasandra–Kammasandra Road.
Victim clung to moving vehicle
According to police accounts and dashboard camera footage recovered from the vehicle, Prashanth managed to cling to the door of the moving SUV, allegedly threatening Roshan and refusing to let him escape.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Narayan said the dashcam footage provided crucial evidence in the case. “The video shows the victim holding onto the vehicle from the outside while the accused continued to drive,” he said.
Car deliberately rammed, police say
The footage further revealed that Roshan allegedly accelerated deliberately, first ramming the SUV into a compound wall and then reversing the vehicle before crashing it into a tree.
“In the twin impacts, Prashanth, who was clinging to the vehicle, sustained severe injuries and died on the spot,” the officer said. Police believe the accused was aware that the victim was hanging onto the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Victim died on the spot
Local residents who heard the crash rushed to the scene and alerted the police. Prashanth was found with grievous injuries and was declared dead at the spot by emergency responders.
The body was later shifted to a government hospital for post-mortem examination. Police said Prashanth suffered fatal head and internal injuries due to the impact.
Accused detained, case registered
Roshan Hegde was detained shortly after the incident. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and rash and negligent driving. Further sections may be added based on the final post-mortem report and forensic analysis.
Investigators are also examining whether alcohol consumption exceeded permissible limits and whether premeditation was involved. Statements from witnesses present at the cricket ground are being recorded.
Dashcam footage key to investigation
Police officials said the dashcam footage has become a crucial piece of evidence, clearly contradicting any claim that the incident was accidental.
“The footage shows sudden acceleration and intentional ramming of the vehicle. This indicates deliberate action rather than panic or loss of control,” an investigating officer said.
Growing concern over alcohol-fuelled violence
The incident has once again raised concerns about alcohol-fuelled violence following informal sporting events and gatherings. Police officials urged citizens to exercise restraint and avoid confrontations, especially under the influence of alcohol.
“Minor disputes can quickly escalate into fatal incidents. This case is a grim reminder of how quickly things can spiral out of control,” a senior officer said.
Conclusion
The death of Prashanth M following what began as a casual cricket match highlights the deadly consequences of unchecked anger and intoxication. As police continue their investigation, the case serves as a stark warning about impulsive violence and the importance of accountability. Authorities have assured a thorough probe to ensure justice for the victim and his family.