IAF Officer Faces FIR in Bengaluru Road Rage Clash with Call Centre Worker

A 40-year-old Indian Air Force Wing Commander, Shiladitya Bose, has been booked by Bengaluru police following a counter-complaint from Vikas Kumar, a call centre employee arrested earlier based on the officer’s allegations in a road rage incident, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The confrontation unfolded early Monday when Bose, in a video he posted online, claimed he was pursued and verbally abused by a group of Kannada-speaking individuals on a motorcycle. Police identified Kumar, a team leader at a software firm’s call centre, as one of the accused and arrested him. However, videos circulating from the scene revealed Bose physically confronting Kumar in public, escalating the situation as onlookers watched. Bose’s wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Dutta, also an IAF officer, attempted to intervene.

The incident occurred as the couple was en route to Kempegowda International Airport, with Dutta driving and Bose in the passenger seat. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Devaraj D. stated that a case was filed against Bose under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Byappanahalli police station, based on Kumar’s complaint alleging assault by the officer.

Kumar’s mother, Jyothi, in a video statement, appealed for justice, questioning why her son was solely blamed. She accused Bose of attacking Kumar and damaging his motorcycle, noting that her family initially refrained from filing a complaint to avoid escalating the matter. “They’ve made this a big issue and are troubling my son. I want justice,” she said.

Following Dutta’s complaint, a separate case was registered against unidentified individuals, leading to Kumar’s arrest. DCP Devaraj explained that the altercation began around 6 am as Bose traveled from his DRDO quarters. CCTV footage and bystander videos suggest both parties could have de-escalated the situation.

The DCP noted that Bose, who was bleeding, was advised to seek first aid before filing an FIR but left for the airport due to time constraints. After Bose’s social media post gained attention, police contacted Dutta, who lodged a formal complaint, resulting in an FIR for grievous hurt. During questioning, Kumar claimed he was passing by when Dutta made a remark, prompting him to question the couple, which led to the confrontation.

“We have substantial video evidence and will continue the investigation,” the DCP affirmed.