Bollywood Director's Son Arrested in Hyderabad After Alleged Assault on Traffic Police
In a dramatic incident that has captured public attention, Prem Shankar, the son of renowned Bollywood director Mani Shankar, was arrested by the Banjara Hills police in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The arrest followed allegations that he misbehaved with a traffic policeman and subsequently escaped from the scene.
Incident Details: EV Breakdown Leads to Confrontation
The events unfolded on Sunday night when Prem Shankar was driving his electric vehicle (EV) near the SNT junction. According to police reports, the car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road after its battery discharged, creating a traffic hazard. A traffic policeman, identified as home guard Manyam, approached the vehicle to offer assistance in pushing it to the side of the road.
Police stated that when asked to exit the car, Prem Shankar refused initially. Due to the vehicle obstructing traffic, he was eventually forced to come out. Upon emerging, he allegedly pushed Manyam aside, causing a physical altercation. As police were attempting to move the stranded EV, Prem Shankar seized the opportunity to flee from the stop, evading immediate apprehension.
Investigation and Arrest
Using the vehicle's registration details, police traced it to a residence in Srinagar colony. However, Prem Shankar, described as a businessman, was not present at the location. After a two-day search, authorities successfully traced and arrested him on Wednesday.
"We suspect that he was drunk at the time of the vehicle's breakdown. Since there is a time lag of two days, we will be taking a blood sample to determine whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol," a police official commented, highlighting ongoing investigations into potential intoxication.
Legal Charges Filed
Police have registered a case against Prem Shankar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 121: Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty.
- Section 132: Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty.
These sections underscore the seriousness of the allegations, focusing on obstruction of law enforcement officials performing their duties.
Context and Implications
This incident adds to a series of high-profile cases involving individuals from influential backgrounds clashing with law enforcement. The arrest of Prem Shankar, given his father's prominence in the Bollywood industry, has sparked discussions on accountability and the rule of law, regardless of social status.
Authorities emphasize that such actions against public servants will be dealt with strictly under the law, reinforcing the importance of respecting traffic regulations and police authority. The case remains under investigation as police await forensic results to confirm suspicions of alcohol influence.
