The Karnataka High Court has barred Bengaluru police from arresting Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, who faces serious allegations after a road rage incident involving a call centre employee.
The incident took place on April 21 in East Bengaluru.
Court Grants Protection To Wing Commander Bose
Issuing an interim order on Thursday, the High Court instructed the Bengaluru police not to take any coercive steps against Wg Cdr Bose. It also directed that he must not be summoned without following the due legal process.
“Respondent No.1 shall not take any coercive action and shall not summon the petitioner without following due procedure of law. The petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation,” stated the court order. It further added that police cannot submit the charge sheet without prior permission from the court.
What Triggered the Incident?
The controversy began when a minor accident occurred between the car driven by Bose’s wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Dutta, and the motorcycle of Vikas Kumar, a 27-year-old call centre worker, near Old Madras Road. Following the collision, Sq Ldr Dutta filed a complaint alleging her husband was assaulted for not speaking Kannada.
Based on this complaint, Vikas Kumar was arrested the same evening on assault charges. However, Kumar later lodged a counter-complaint against Wg Cdr Bose, accusing him of assault and attempted murder, leading to a fresh FIR against the IAF officer.
CCTV Footage Challenges Initial Claims
In a twist, CCTV footage from the scene showed that it was Bose who physically assaulted Kumar on the road and sidewalk after the minor crash, contradicting the IAF officer’s initial claims. This evidence sparked outrage among pro-Kannada groups, who demanded Bose’s immediate arrest.
Political Reactions
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reacted strongly to the incident.
“I have instructed the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate legal action against the individuals involved, irrespective of their position or rank,” he said on April 22.
“The state government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and is committed to ensuring justice for the victim,” the Chief Minister added.
Defence Authorities Respond
Describing the event as “unfortunate”, the Defence Public Relations Office in Bengaluru said the Indian Air Force was fully cooperating with local authorities.
“The IAF is assisting the local authorities in investigating and following up the case to its lawful resolution,” said a statement issued by the Defence PRO.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
