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Bengaluru’s Electronics City police have arrested three men for allegedly running over a 25-year-old man and dragging him beneath their car for around 100 to 150 metres, following a road altercation in Bengaluru. The victim, Ranjith Kumar Sahu, who was killed in the incident, was a native of Bihar working as a cook at a paying guest accommodation in BTM Layout.
A fourth accused, identified as Shyam Kohar, remains absconding. The arrested men are Ajay Rabidas (26), Sajal Namasudra (19), and Bijoy Ray (27), all natives of Assam.
The incident occurred around 1.50 am on October 21 near Pragathipura, within the limits of Electronics City police station. According to a complaint filed by Sahu’s friend, Nitish Kumar Mukhiya, a car approached their group at high speed as they were crossing the road after celebrating Dasara.
When Mukhiya signalled the driver to slow down, the occupants allegedly took offence, made a U-turn and returned to confront the group. The confrontation escalated into an argument and an assault, following which Mukhiya called Sahu, who was at a nearby residence.
When Sahu arrived, the altercation intensified, according to the complaint. The occupants allegedly attempted to flee in their car while Sahu was standing in front of the vehicle. The driver accelerated, hitting Sahu and dragging him beneath the car for around 100 to 150 metres, the complaint said.
The occupants then allegedly pulled Sahu from beneath the vehicle, abandoned him near the Hosur service road and fled. He sustained serious injuries to his head, chest, right leg and other parts of his body. He was taken to a private hospital in Madiwala, where he died on October 22.
Police identified the suspects after examining CCTV footage and recording statements from witnesses and local residents. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Electronics City) M Narayana said the footage did not clearly capture the car, but enquiries with residents, particularly people running roadside eateries through the night, helped investigators identify the vehicle and trace the suspects. Technical assistance also helped solve the case, he said.
Police investigation indicated that Rabidas was driving the car at the time of the incident. The accused reportedly told investigators that they had been heavily intoxicated after a party. Police are continuing efforts to trace Kohar, the fourth accused.
