A family of four, including a 10-year-old girl, was brutally assaulted in a road rage incident on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway near Maddur late Tuesday evening. The Karnataka police have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack.
Incident Details
The victims, identified as Suresh (42), his wife Lakshmi (38), and their two daughters aged 10 and 7, were returning to Bengaluru from a family function when the incident occurred. According to the police, the altercation began when the family's car was allegedly overtaken by a speeding SUV near the Maddur toll plaza around 9:30 PM.
Suresh, who was driving, sounded his horn, which angered the occupants of the SUV. The SUV then blocked their car, and three men alighted, armed with iron rods and baseball bats. They smashed the car's windshield and windows before pulling the family out and assaulting them.
Arrests and Investigation
Based on a complaint filed by Suresh at the Maddur police station, the police registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder, and launched a manhunt. The three suspects, identified as Ravi (28), Ganesh (32), and Mahesh (30), all residents of Mandya district, were arrested within 12 hours of the incident.
"The accused have been remanded to judicial custody. We are investigating if they have any previous criminal records," said a senior police officer from Maddur police station. The police have also seized the SUV used in the crime.
Victims' Condition
The family members sustained multiple injuries and were initially treated at a local hospital in Maddur before being shifted to a private hospital in Bengaluru. Suresh suffered a fractured arm, while Lakshmi and the elder daughter sustained head injuries. The younger daughter escaped with minor bruises. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Speaking to reporters from his hospital bed, Suresh said, "We were just trying to get home. They came at us without any warning. I thought we would not survive." Lakshmi added, "My children are traumatized. They are unable to sleep."
Road Safety Concerns
The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety and rising road rage cases on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway, a stretch notorious for speeding and reckless driving. According to data from the Karnataka Traffic Police, the highway has witnessed over 200 accidents and 50 fatalities in the past year alone.
Local residents and commuters have demanded stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased patrolling. "This highway is a death trap. Every week, there is some incident. The authorities need to act," said Mahesh Kumar, a regular commuter on the route.
The police have urged commuters to remain calm and report any instances of road rage to the nearest police station or dial 112. They also plan to deploy additional patrol vehicles on the highway to prevent such incidents.
