A road rage incident in Bengaluru escalated on Saturday when a woman hit an auto-rickshaw driver with her slipper, igniting public outrage after the video went viral.
The confrontation unfolded around 3 p.m. near Centro Mall in Bellandur. Pankhuri Mishra, 28, a migrant from Bihar, was riding a two-wheeler with her husband when their vehicle reportedly brushed past auto driver Lokesh, 33, during a lane merge. The situation quickly deteriorated, with Mishra repeatedly striking Lokesh while he calmly recorded the episode.
Footage of the altercation spread rapidly online, drawing sharp criticism. Local pro-Kannada groups staged protests outside the Bellandur police station, demanding strict action against Mishra.
Following the clash, Lokesh filed a police complaint, accusing her of initiating a physical assault. Bellandur police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on his account.
Mishra appeared before authorities on Sunday and claimed she reacted emotionally because the driver allegedly behaved inappropriately. She explained that her panic stemmed from being pregnant and feeling threatened when the auto moved too close.
In a surprising development, a video surfaced later that day showing Mishra publicly apologizing. She is seen touching Lokesh’s feet and expressing regret for her actions. She added that she loves Bengaluru and respects its people.
Authorities confirmed that her statement has been recorded and she may be summoned again as investigations proceed.
This incident has sparked larger discussions on road safety, public conduct, and digital accountability in urban India.
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