Mandya: A horse-cart race allegedly held on National Highway 75 in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district has triggered concerns over road safety after participants reportedly raced along the busy Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway stretch between Bellur Cross and the Kadaballi toll gate on Monday evening.
The alleged race has drawn criticism from commuters and local residents, who say the activity endangered motorists and disrupted normal traffic movement. The incident has also raised concerns over alleged betting, reckless riding by accompanying motorcyclists and claims that people who questioned the participants were threatened.
Horse carts allegedly raced on busy highway
According to reports, horse carts were driven at high speeds along the highway, which is used by a large number of vehicles travelling between Bengaluru, Mangaluru and other destinations.
The use of a national highway for an unauthorised race raised questions about compliance with traffic regulations and the safety of other road users. High-speed racing on a public road can create serious risks, particularly when vehicles travelling at different speeds share the same stretch.
Commuters reportedly faced difficulties as the race took place along the route. The presence of horse carts on the highway allegedly forced other motorists to remain cautious while navigating the affected stretch.
The incident has prompted calls for authorities to examine how the race was organised and whether traffic restrictions or enforcement measures were bypassed.
Motorcyclists allegedly follow racing carts
The situation reportedly became more concerning as hundreds of motorcycles followed the horse carts. Riders were alleged to have manoeuvred recklessly and violated traffic rules while accompanying the race.
Such movements can increase the risk of collisions, particularly on a busy highway where cars, buses, trucks and two-wheelers travel at varying speeds. Sudden braking, unexpected lane changes or obstructions can endanger both participants and uninvolved motorists.
The reported presence of a large motorcycle group also raised concerns about congestion and the ability of ordinary commuters to pass safely through the area.
The full extent of the traffic disruption and whether any accidents or injuries occurred was not confirmed in the information available.
Allegations of betting add to concerns
Reports surrounding the event also alleged that substantial amounts of money, running into lakhs of rupees, were wagered on the outcome of the horse-cart race.
The alleged betting has added another dimension to the controversy, with calls for authorities to investigate whether money was placed on the race and whether any laws were violated.
However, the scale of the alleged betting and the identities of those involved have not been independently established. These claims would require verification through a police investigation.
Locals allege threats after questioning participants
The incident reportedly led to a confrontation when some members of the public questioned participants about conducting the race on a busy highway.
According to the allegations, some people involved in the activity abused and threatened those who objected. If confirmed, such conduct could further complicate efforts by residents and commuters to raise safety concerns.
The allegations have strengthened calls for police to investigate not only the reported race but also any intimidation of members of the public.
No independently confirmed details about formal complaints, arrests or action taken against the alleged participants were available in the information provided.
Residents seek police action
Residents and road users have urged the police to intervene and take action against those responsible. Their demands include registering a suo motu case, investigating the alleged betting and enforcing traffic regulations.
A suo motu case is one initiated by the police on their own information, rather than solely on the basis of a formal complaint from an individual. Authorities can examine available evidence, identify those involved and determine whether legal action is warranted.
The incident has also renewed calls for stronger monitoring of activities that could obstruct traffic or endanger commuters on major highways.
Highway safety remains a key concern
National Highway 75 serves as an important road link between Bengaluru and the coastal region, carrying commercial vehicles, public transport and private traffic.
Unauthorised racing on such a road can expose participants and uninvolved motorists to serious danger. Authorities would need to establish the circumstances of the reported event, verify the allegations and determine whether any traffic or other laws were breached.
The incident in Nagamangala has highlighted the need to keep public highways accessible and safe for regular traffic. Residents are seeking a clear response from the authorities, including an investigation into the alleged race and any associated violations.
As of the information available, the allegations concerning the race, betting and threats remain unverified, and details of any official police action have not been confirmed.