Bengaluru: In a bizarre and dangerous incident on the night of November 27, a Bengaluru autorickshaw driver allegedly rammed into a scooter and then sped off with a traffic police officer still inside the vehicle, prompting a police investigation and widespread concern over road safety in the city.

According to police reports, the officer was performing routine duty on 10th Cross in Sadashivanagar when he noticed an autorickshaw traveling against traffic on a one-way street. The officer stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver about the violation, instructing him to pull over to the roadside for further enquiry. The incident took place between 9 pm and 9:15 pm, and in the course of the confrontation, the autorickshaw collided with a scooter coming from the opposite direction.

Eyewitnesses and police accounts suggest that the driver initially appeared to cooperate with the officer. However, unexpectedly, the autorickshaw suddenly accelerated, heading toward Hebbal with the traffic police officer still seated inside. Despite repeated orders from the officer to stop the vehicle, the driver continued to speed along the road, creating a hazardous situation for the officer and other commuters.

During the high-speed escape, the officer eventually fell out of the moving autorickshaw, sustaining minor injuries and damaging his walkie-talkie in the process. Assistance arrived from two accompanying policemen and local residents, who helped the officer regain control and ensured his safety after the fall.

Following the incident, the driver abandoned the autorickshaw near Gangannagar and fled the scene. A subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed a dagger, heightening concerns about the potential threat to public safety and indicating a more severe risk than initially apparent.

In response to the incident, the Bengaluru police have filed multiple charges against the driver, including endangering public safety, causing an accident, obstructing a police officer, damaging government property, and possession of a weapon. Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to locate the driver and ascertain any additional violations.

The episode has drawn attention to the increasing risks faced by traffic police officers during enforcement duties, especially at night. Officials noted that the rapid urbanization of Bengaluru and the rise in traffic volume contribute to a challenging environment for on-duty officers, making incidents like this not only dangerous for enforcement personnel but also for the public.

Traffic authorities emphasized that such reckless behavior could have had far more severe consequences, including serious injury or fatalities, considering the vehicle was moving at speed with an officer inside. The Bengaluru traffic police have urged motorists to comply with traffic rules, stressing that violations such as driving against one-way traffic are not only illegal but carry the potential for severe penalties and criminal liability.

The incident has sparked conversations among local residents and commuters about the risks posed by poorly regulated autorickshaw drivers and the necessity for stricter enforcement of road safety laws. Experts have suggested that enhanced surveillance measures, stricter background checks for drivers, and increased public awareness campaigns could help mitigate such risks in the future.

As of now, police continue to track the autorickshaw driver, reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from witnesses to aid in apprehending him. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards that law enforcement officers face daily while ensuring the safety and compliance of the city’s traffic, and highlights the need for both civic responsibility and vigilance among road users.

Authorities have also indicated that once the driver is apprehended, he is likely to face severe legal action under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and relevant traffic safety regulations. The police have appealed to anyone with information regarding the driver’s whereabouts to come forward to assist in the investigation.

This extraordinary incident underscores the challenges of traffic law enforcement in India’s bustling urban centers and highlights the increasing dangers that traffic officers encounter while performing their duties. The case continues to be closely monitored by the Bengaluru police, who have pledged to take strict action to deter similar incidents in the future.