Bengaluru: A shocking incident of drunken driving was reported on Christmas Eve in the city, where a Hyundai Creta car allegedly driven by an intoxicated man rammed into a Royal Enfield motorcycle and dragged it for nearly 500 metres, leaving the biker seriously injured. The incident, which occurred on December 24 evening, was captured on dashcam video and has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stricter enforcement against drunk driving.
According to police, the accused has been identified as Srinivasa KV (38). He was allegedly driving the car in a rash and negligent manner along the Ring Road when the accident took place around 7.15 pm. The victim, Rohit S, was riding his Royal Enfield motorcycle from the Sumanahalli flyover towards Nagarabhavi Circle when he was hit from behind by the speeding car.
Chain collision on busy Ring Road
Police said the impact of the collision was severe, throwing Rohit off his motorcycle. He sustained injuries to his chest, legs, and hands and was immediately rushed for medical treatment. Doctors said he is currently undergoing treatment and his condition is stable.
While the biker was flung onto the road, the motorcycle became lodged under the Hyundai Creta. Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly continued driving, dragging the two-wheeler for nearly half a kilometre. Dashcam footage recorded by a vehicle travelling behind showed sparks flying from beneath the car as the motorcycle scraped along the road, causing extensive damage.
Traffic police officials said the Creta did not stop even after dragging the motorcycle and went on to ram into multiple vehicles along the stretch, creating panic among other road users.
Public intercepts driver
The rampage ended only after members of the public managed to intercept the car and stop it. Enraged by the dangerous driving and the injuries caused to the biker, some people thrashed the driver before handing him over to the police.
Senior traffic police officials confirmed that Srinivasa appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. “Preliminary tests and eyewitness accounts indicate that the accused was drunk while driving. Further medical examination has been conducted to confirm the blood alcohol level,” a police officer said.
The damaged motorcycle was removed from the spot, and traffic was briefly disrupted as police cleared the road and conducted a spot inspection.
Case registered under BNS and Motor Vehicles Act
A road accident case has been registered at the Kamakshipalya Traffic Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Police said the charges include rash and negligent driving, causing grievous hurt, driving under the influence of alcohol, and endangering public safety.
Officials said further investigation is under way, including verification of CCTV footage from nearby areas and examination of witnesses who were present at the scene. The Hyundai Creta involved in the accident has been seized for inspection.
Dashcam video sparks outrage
The dashcam video of the incident, which clearly shows the bike being dragged and sparks flying, has gone viral on social media platforms. Many users expressed shock and anger over the recklessness displayed by the driver, especially on a festive evening when roads are busy with families and commuters.
Road safety activists have pointed out that such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter checks against drunk driving, particularly during festivals and weekends. “Despite repeated awareness campaigns and penalties, people continue to drink and drive. This case could have easily resulted in fatalities,” said a road safety campaigner.
Police warning ahead of New Year
Traffic police officials said the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of drunken driving and announced that special drives would be intensified ahead of New Year celebrations. Checkpoints, breathalyser tests, and night patrols will be increased across major roads and junctions to prevent similar incidents.
“We urge citizens to act responsibly and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Such behaviour not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers innocent lives,” a senior officer said.
Conclusion
The Christmas Eve accident underscores the potentially deadly consequences of reckless and drunken driving on Bengaluru’s busy roads. While timely intervention by the public prevented further damage, the incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and enforcement. As the injured biker recovers, police have assured strict legal action against the accused, reiterating that drunken driving will not be tolerated under any circumstances.