Amid growing public anger and viral videos of an alleged road rage assault involving an Indian Air Force officer, the Karnataka High Court has restrained Bengaluru police from taking coercive action against Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose. The officer is facing an attempt to murder charge after a clash with a civilian.
On April 25, Justice Hemanth Chandangoudar, hearing Bose’s plea to quash proceedings, ruled that he cannot be arrested and must be summoned for questioning only through due legal procedure. The court directed Bose to fully cooperate with the investigation.
The controversy erupted after Bose alleged on social media that he was attacked for not speaking Kannada. However, CCTV footage showed Bose assaulting Vikas Kumar, a 36-year-old BPO worker, near Baiyappanahalli. The video sparked outrage, with Kannada groups and Kumar’s family demanding swift action.
Kumar’s family accused the police of favoritism, pointing out that Kumar was arrested immediately after a complaint filed by Bose’s wife, a DRDO squadron leader. However, their complaint against Bose allegedly did not even name him initially.
Bose’s lawyer argued that the FIR was against “unknown persons” and claimed Bose was wrongly implicated. He also contested the serious attempt to murder charge, stating that Kumar’s injuries were minor.
The case has reignited wider debates about privilege and accountability of armed forces personnel in civilian matters.
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