Tragic Suicide of Truck Driver in Bengaluru Following Drunk Driving Case
In a heartbreaking incident in Bengaluru, a 26-year-old truck driver allegedly died by suicide inside his vehicle, just hours after being booked for drunk driving by traffic police. The event unfolded in the south Bengaluru area on Saturday night, casting a somber light on the pressures faced by commercial drivers.
Details of the Traffic Stop and Allegations
The deceased, identified as Shanmugam, a native of Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, was intercepted by JP Nagar traffic police during a routine check. This occurred around 11:20 PM on 15th Cross, Outer Ring Road, in JP Nagar. According to officials, an alcometer test revealed his blood alcohol level was at 97mg/100ml, significantly above the permissible limit of 30mg/100ml in India.
Furthermore, Shanmugam was unable to produce essential vehicle documents, including his driver's licence. In response, the authorities issued a notice, seized his 12-wheeler truck with registration number TN-52-D-2590, and parked it approximately 100 metres away on 21st Main, near the police station.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
Investigators report that after the seizure, Shanmugam later returned to the parked truck. He allegedly hanged himself using a rope that was meant for securing goods. At the time, the truck was empty, having been en route to Hebbal for loading after arriving from Hosur.
The incident was discovered at 8:05 AM on Sunday when a passerby noticed the driver hanging on the outside of the cabin and immediately alerted the police. This led to a swift response from local authorities, who are now probing the circumstances surrounding the death.
Interactions with Vehicle Owner and Police
A senior police officer disclosed that Shanmugam had spoken to the vehicle owner after being stopped by traffic police. He was allegedly told to pay the fine and secure the vehicle's release through due legal process. Additionally, police stated that Shanmugam had approached them seeking the release of the truck but was informed that it could only be done via court procedures, which may have added to his distress.
An unnatural death report has been registered at the local police station, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact motives and any contributing factors. This incident highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving and the potential mental health challenges faced by individuals in such situations.
