Bengaluru: An auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly arrested after attempting to run over a traffic police head constable while trying to flee from the spot following a dispute with another auto driver near Meenakshi Mall on Bannerghatta Road.
The incident occurred on Cave Temple Road within the limits of the Hulimavu Traffic Police station on Wednesday evening. The police constable sustained a fracture to his right leg in the incident.
Dispute began after minor accident
According to police, the accused auto driver, identified as Karthik, was involved in an argument with another auto driver following a minor accident.
The dispute reportedly took place around 8.30 pm, with both autorickshaws positioned on the road and affecting the movement of traffic.
Head constable Manik Prabhu N Biradar, who was on traffic duty in the area, noticed the situation and intervened. He reportedly instructed both drivers to move their vehicles to the side of the road to prevent further disruption to traffic.
The constable also asked the drivers to produce their vehicle documents for verification.
Auto allegedly driven towards policeman
Police allege that Karthik, who had three passengers in his autorickshaw at the time, attempted to flee instead of complying with the officer’s instructions.
In the process, he allegedly drove the autorickshaw towards Biradar in an attempt to run him over.
The traffic head constable was reportedly struck during the incident and suffered an injury to his right leg. He was later found to have sustained a fracture.
The alleged act prompted the constable and members of the public present at the location to chase the autorickshaw.
Public helps police catch accused
Biradar reportedly pursued the vehicle with assistance from members of the public and managed to apprehend Karthik.
Following the incident, the head constable filed a complaint with the police, detailing the alleged attempt to obstruct and assault him while he was performing his official duties.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by traffic police personnel while regulating roads and intervening in disputes between motorists.
Case registered under BNS
Hulimavu Traffic Police have registered a case against Karthik under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to assault or criminal force against a public servant to deter the discharge of duty.
Police have also invoked other relevant provisions of the BNS in connection with the incident.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, including the events leading up to the confrontation and the actions of the accused while attempting to flee.
The statements of the traffic personnel and members of the public who assisted in apprehending the driver are also expected to form part of the investigation.
Traffic personnel face risks on busy roads
Traffic police regularly deal with disputes, violations and congestion while working on busy city roads. Intervening in arguments between motorists can sometimes expose personnel to physical confrontation.
In this case, the police said the head constable had intervened primarily to clear the road and ensure that traffic continued to move smoothly after the minor accident.
The alleged decision to drive the vehicle towards the officer has resulted in a criminal case, while the injury sustained by the head constable has added seriousness to the incident.
Police are continuing their investigation into the case. Further action against the accused will follow based on the evidence gathered during the probe.