Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 22: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has criticised an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer involved in a recent road rage incident, accusing him of provoking the pride and sentiments of Kannada-speaking people.
The incident took place on Monday in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, between Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose and Vikas Kumar, a call centre employee.
According to reports, the confrontation occurred after a minor vehicle touch. However, Bose later took to social media, making allegations against the Karnataka state and its people, which the chief minister described as damaging to the pride of Kannada speakers.
In a press statement, Siddaramaiah said, “Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, who assaulted Kannadiga Vikas Kumar over a trivial vehicle touch in Bengaluru, has now resorted to social media, making baseless accusations against Karnataka and Kannadigas, thus provoking their pride and sentiments.”
The CM continued, emphasising the honour Kannada speakers take in their language, but noting that it is not their nature to resort to aggression or insults over language differences. He added, “It is not in the nature of Kannadigas to attack or insult anyone over language issues without reason. Karnataka has a rich cultural history of embracing everyone who settles here, treating them as fellow Kannadigas. This inclusive spirit is something that has stood the test of time.”
Siddaramaiah also voiced concern over the role of some national media outlets, which, according to him, failed in their professional responsibility by spreading unverified claims that tarnished the state’s image. “This has hurt the sentiments of every Kannadiga,” the CM stated.
The chief minister then advised the people of Karnataka not to take the law into their own hands in response to provocation, asserting that the state government, elected by the people, is responsible for ensuring justice. “Regarding the incident on April 21, I have instructed the Police Commissioner to take the appropriate legal action against the perpetrators, regardless of their rank or position. The Karnataka government is treating this case with utmost seriousness and is committed to justice for the victim,” Siddaramaiah affirmed.
Earlier, Wing Commander Bose shared a video on social media where he recounted the events of the morning. “I was on my way to catch a flight to Kolkata. My wife, Madhumita, was driving me at around 6:30 am on Monday when a biker suddenly stopped his motorcycle in front of our car,” he explained. “He parked the bike, stood in front of the car wearing a helmet, holding his keys, and began accusing us, particularly mentioning ‘you DRDO people’ in Kannada. When my wife tried to drive on, he argued with her and came to my side of the car.”
Bose claimed that local Kannada-speaking bystanders had different responses to the altercation. “Some told the biker he was in the wrong and should leave, but others supported him and even physically intervened,” he said. “The biker bit me, and this situation was truly shocking.”
The officer further expressed concern about the escalation, stating, “What was even more shocking was that the locals, particularly elderly Kannada speakers, stood by and watched. Some even held my hand while the biker continued his aggressive behaviour. I could have reacted, but I chose not to. I’m now worried about what could have happened had my wife been alone.”
Bose said he feared for his wife and child’s safety in Bengaluru, following the incident. “This happened in the heart of the city, in the DRDO area. I have the vehicle number of the perpetrator and expect the authorities to take action,” he said. "What worries me most is that my wife and child are still alone in Bengaluru, and the situation could have been worse."