Bengaluru: 26-year-old pushed before moving train, two arrested
Bengaluru police have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a 26-year-old auto driver, who was allegedly shoved in front of a moving train following a quarrel linked to a love affair. The incident took place late on Sunday near Doddanekundi railway tracks in Mahadevapura.
Victim identified as Vijayapura resident
Police identified the victim as Ismail, a native of Vijayapura, who had recently moved to Bengaluru to work as an auto driver. The accused have been named as Pratap (24), from Chitradurga, and his friend Puneeth, who shared a residence in the city.
Investigators said that tensions had been simmering between Pratap and Ismail, as the former suspected that Ismail was in frequent contact with Puneeth’s girlfriend. This suspicion had reportedly led to repeated quarrels between the two men in recent weeks.
Events leading to the murder
According to the police, on Sunday night Pratap and Puneeth were drinking near the railway tracks at Doddanekundi. Ismail later joined them, and a heated altercation broke out just as a train was passing.
During the scuffle, Ismail allegedly attempted to push Pratap, but he managed to escape. In retaliation, Pratap shoved Ismail onto the tracks, resulting in his instant death under the moving train.
Attempt to mislead investigators
In an effort to conceal the crime, Pratap reportedly tried to stage the scene by placing Ismail’s body on the tracks and claiming that the victim had died while attempting to record a social media reel.
However, the Baiyappanahalli railway police saw through the fabrication during their preliminary inquiry. Both Pratap and Puneeth were taken into custody shortly after.
Police investigation and arrests
The Baiyappanahalli railway police have registered a case of murder and are continuing their investigation into the sequence of events. Police officials confirmed that both accused have been arrested and produced before the court.
Investigators are also questioning the two men to determine whether others were involved and to verify details about the love affair that allegedly triggered the violent altercation.
Community reaction and safety concerns
The gruesome nature of the killing has shocked the local community. Residents of Mahadevapura expressed concern over increasing alcohol-fuelled violence near railway tracks, highlighting the dangers such areas pose when combined with personal disputes.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid high-risk zones like railway tracks, particularly at night. Police also emphasised that personal disputes escalating to such violent extremes must be addressed through legal or social mediation rather than physical confrontation.
Conclusion
The tragic incident underscores how personal conflicts, combined with alcohol consumption and poor judgment, can spiral into fatal outcomes. With the accused now in custody, the investigation is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the quarrel and the role of the alleged love affair in the murder.