Violent Road Rage Rocks Kolkata's AJC Bose Road
In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about road safety and law enforcement in Kolkata, a local trader was brutally assaulted and his wife faced harassment during a road rage episode that unfolded in front of traffic police officers. The disturbing events occurred early Wednesday morning near the iconic Victoria Memorial, leaving the victims traumatized and demanding justice.
The Collision That Sparked the Violence
The trouble began around 2:30 AM on Wednesday when a KIA Sonet car collided with a truck bearing Tamil Nadu registration plates at the Victoria Memorial traffic signal. The car was being driven by Md Saba Karim, who was returning home with his family and a friend when the speeding truck allegedly rammed into his vehicle.
The impact caused significant damage to Karim's car, particularly to the bumper and bonnet. According to police reports, the truck driver did not stop after the collision, forcing Karim and his companions to seek immediate help from nearby traffic police officers.
Assault and Harassment in Police Presence
Traffic police managed to stop the Tamil Nadu-registered truck a short distance from the accident site. The driver was identified as Steelan S from Tamil Nadu, who was traveling with two associates. What began as a routine traffic intervention quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Steelan and his companions allegedly began hurling abuses and issuing threats at Karim and his wife. The situation turned physical when the accused assaulted Karim in full view of the traffic police officers. Shockingly, the accused also turned aggressive toward the intervening traffic cops, pushing them and engaging in heated arguments.
Questionable Police Response
Despite the serious nature of the offenses—including assault, harassment, and obstruction of police duty—the traffic officers ultimately allowed Steelan to leave the scene after confiscating his driving licence. This decision has raised eyebrows about the effectiveness of police response in such situations.
Following the incident, Md Saba Karim filed a written complaint seeking that it be treated as a First Information Report (FIR) and urged legal action against the perpetrators. The case highlights growing concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws in the city.
The incident on AJC Bose Road serves as a stark reminder of the escalating road rage problems in urban India and raises important questions about police protocol when dealing with such volatile situations.
