Bengaluru: What began as a routine late-night drunk-driving enforcement drive on Mysuru Road spiralled into a dramatic and disturbing incident on Saturday night, when a heavily intoxicated biker allegedly threatened traffic police, refused to cooperate with officers and ultimately set his own motorcycle ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Routine check turns volatile
According to police, the incident occurred around 10.35 pm near Kavika Junction, just outside the Byatarayanapura traffic police station, where officers were conducting a special drive to curb drunk driving. During the check, a two-wheeler rider who appeared visibly intoxicated was stopped by the police.
The rider was later identified as Venkatesh, a resident of BTM Layout 1st Stage, believed to be in his late twenties. Officers said he smelled strongly of alcohol and was asked to undergo a breathalyser test as part of standard procedure.
Instead of complying, the man allegedly turned aggressive and began threatening the police personnel on duty. According to officers present at the spot, he shouted that he would rather die or burn his motorcycle than submit himself to a breathalyser test.
Taken to police station
Following his refusal to cooperate and his aggressive behaviour, the traffic police brought Venkatesh along with his black Bajaj Discover motorcycle to the nearby Byatarayanapura traffic police station.
Police sources said that even inside the station, the man continued to behave in an unruly manner. He allegedly refused to calm down and continued to argue with officers, forcing them to initiate further legal steps against him.
Subsequent medical tests revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was an alarming 367 mg per 100 ml, indicating severe intoxication and well above the permissible limit. Officers said this was his second drunk-driving case, which may have contributed to his distress and erratic behaviour.
Refusal to accept notice
After the test results were obtained, police attempted to serve him a notice related to the drunk-driving offence. However, Venkatesh allegedly refused to accept the notice, shouted at the staff and abruptly walked out of the police station.
“Even after repeated attempts to counsel him, he refused to cooperate and stormed out,” a senior police officer said. The situation appeared to have temporarily de-escalated after he left the station premises, officers added.
Shocking act outside station
Moments later, however, the situation took a shocking turn. According to police, Venkatesh returned to the spot outside the station, where his motorcycle had been parked. In full view of onlookers, he allegedly doused the vehicle with fuel and set it on fire before fleeing the scene under the cover of darkness.
The flames quickly engulfed the motorcycle, causing panic in the area. The fire also damaged a Yamaha Fascino scooter that had been parked nearby after being seized in an unrelated accident.
Police personnel rushed to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Fire safety measures ensured that no injuries were reported in the incident.
Motive and background
Investigators believe that Venkatesh became distressed after realising the consequences of his actions, including the fine and legal action he was facing for a repeat drunk-driving offence. According to police, he had allegedly threatened suicide earlier, saying he would rather harm himself than pay the penalty.
Police are also looking into whether personal or family-related issues may have aggravated his behaviour. “His conduct was extremely erratic and dangerous, not just to himself but to others as well,” an officer involved in the investigation said.
Case registered, hunt underway
A case has been registered against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include charges related to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duty and causing damage to property by fire.
Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, who remains absconding. Police said they are scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding area and questioning witnesses to establish his movements after fleeing the scene.
Warning amid strict enforcement
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of drunk driving and the challenges faced by police personnel during enforcement drives, particularly during late-night operations.
Senior police officials reiterated that strict action will continue against drunk driving and unruly behaviour. “No one is above the law. Such acts of violence, threats and destruction of property will be dealt with firmly,” a senior officer said.
Conclusion
The dramatic episode has shocked residents and raised concerns about public safety and responsible behaviour on the roads. Police have urged citizens to cooperate during enforcement drives and understand that such checks are conducted in the interest of saving lives.
As investigations continue, authorities have stressed that endangering public safety, threatening officials and damaging property will invite serious legal consequences, irrespective of the circumstances.