Bengaluru: A road rage incident near Trinity Junction in Bengaluru escalated dramatically after an SUV driver allegedly tried to run over a goods vehicle owner and drove off with him on the bonnet for a considerable distance before being stopped by other motorists. Police have registered a case of attempt to murder and detained the SUV driver.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Halasuru–HAL Airport Road stretch and was captured on video by a passing motorist. The footage, which has since circulated widely, shows the victim clinging to the bonnet of a moving vehicle while signalling to the driver to stop.
Dispute began over lane and right turn
Bengaluru police identified the complainant as Nanjunda (36), a goods vehicle owner. According to the First Information Report (FIR), he was returning from Hoskote after purchasing flowers for his business. His relative Manoj K was driving their vehicle.
The complaint states that after crossing Trinity Junction in the Halasuru area, their vehicle was moving in the right lane with the indicator on, intending to take a right turn.
At that point, a driver of a Maruti Suzuki XL6 behind them allegedly began honking repeatedly and aggressively. When informed that they were preparing to turn right, the SUV driver reportedly pulled alongside and verbally abused Nanjunda using expletives.
Confrontation at signal turns violent
Police said the confrontation intensified at the next traffic signal near HAL Airport Road (CB Road junction). Nanjunda approached the SUV driver — later identified as Suresh — to question his behaviour.
According to the FIR, when confronted, the SUV driver attempted to flee. Nanjunda claimed he stood in front of the vehicle to make him stop and discuss the matter. At this point, Suresh allegedly accelerated towards him instead of braking.
Nanjunda fell onto the bonnet as the vehicle surged forward. Instead of stopping, the driver continued to drive at speed with Nanjunda on the bonnet.
Video shows man clinging to moving SUV
Bengaluru traffic sources confirmed that a video recorded from another car shows Nanjunda holding on to the bonnet while the SUV continues moving through traffic. In the clip, he is seen gesturing and repeatedly asking the driver to stop.
Despite shouts and warnings from other road users, the SUV driver allegedly did not slow down and continued overtaking vehicles along the stretch.
The dangerous drive continued until a group of alert motorists — including cab drivers and two-wheeler riders — coordinated to intercept the vehicle.
Motorists block SUV, rescue victim
The SUV was finally forced to halt near the ASC Centre and College after multiple vehicles blocked its path from the front and sides. Nanjunda was then able to get down from the bonnet safely.
Police said the quick response by other motorists likely prevented serious injury or death. Nanjunda escaped with minor injuries and shock, according to preliminary reports.
Driver detained, attempt to murder case filed
Bengaluru police have detained the SUV driver, Suresh, and registered a case under sections including attempt to murder, along with other relevant charges related to rash and dangerous driving and criminal intimidation.
Officials said statements from the complainant, eyewitnesses and those who helped stop the vehicle are being recorded. The viral video is also being treated as key evidence.
The vehicle involved has been traced and seized for inspection.
Probe into road rage behaviour
Investigators are examining whether the act was intentional and whether additional charges should be invoked based on speed, distance covered and risk caused to the victim and other road users.
Traffic police reiterated that road rage incidents are being treated seriously and warned that aggressive driving and retaliatory behaviour can quickly turn life-threatening.
Conclusion
The bonnet-dragging incident near Trinity Junction underscores the growing danger of road rage in Bengaluru’s busy corridors. Swift intervention by fellow motorists helped prevent a fatal outcome, while police action has followed with serious charges against the accused driver.