In a shocking incident that has highlighted growing road safety concerns in India's tech capital, a software engineer has been arrested for allegedly hitting a family of three on a scooter and fleeing the scene in Bengaluru's Whitefield area. The hit-and-run case has sparked outrage among local residents and raised serious questions about road safety measures in the rapidly developing IT corridor.
The Fateful Night in Whitefield
The incident occurred on the night of June 15, 2024, around 10:30 PM near Hope Farm junction in Whitefield, one of Bengaluru's busiest IT hubs. According to police reports, Mohammed Nadeem, a 28-year-old software engineer, was driving his Hyundai Verna car when he allegedly lost control and collided with a scooter carrying a family of three.
The victims have been identified as Ramesh Kumar (35), his wife Priya (32), and their 6-year-old daughter Ananya. The family was returning home after visiting relatives when the tragedy struck. Eyewitnesses reported that the car was moving at high speed when it hit the scooter from behind, sending all three family members flying several feet before landing on the road with serious injuries.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Whitefield traffic police responded quickly to emergency calls about the accident. Using CCTV footage from nearby cameras, investigators were able to identify the vehicle involved and track its movement through the area. The footage clearly showed the Hyundai Verna hitting the scooter and continuing without stopping to assist the injured family.
Police teams worked through the night and managed to locate the damaged vehicle and arrest Nadeem from his residence in the early hours of June 16. The accused software engineer works for a multinational technology company and had been living in Bengaluru for approximately three years. During interrogation, he reportedly claimed he panicked after the accident and drove away out of fear.
Condition of Injured Family Members
The injured family was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. Medical reports indicate that Ramesh Kumar suffered multiple fractures in his right leg and internal injuries, while his wife Priya sustained serious head injuries and broken ribs. Their daughter Ananya, though protected by her parents to some extent, still suffered a broken arm and multiple bruises.
Doctors have stated that all three victims are in stable condition but will require extended medical care and rehabilitation. The family, originally from Tamil Nadu, has been living in Bengaluru for eight years where Ramesh works as a sales executive in a retail store.
Legal Proceedings and Public Response
Police have registered a case under sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life), and 338 (causing grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The accused has been produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from local residents and road safety activists in Whitefield. Area residents have long complained about increasing incidents of rash driving by young professionals, particularly during late hours. Many have demanded stricter enforcement of traffic rules and harsher punishment for hit-and-run cases.
This case represents another alarming example of the growing road safety crisis in Bengaluru, particularly in IT corridors where young professionals often drive powerful vehicles. Police officials have warned that they will continue to crack down on traffic violations and ensure that those who endanger lives through reckless driving face strict legal consequences.
