Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 30: In a shocking incident highlighting the apathy of some motorists, a 38-year-old biker was booked by Bantwal Town police for allegedly blocking an ambulance carrying a critically injured patient, despite its siren blaring for right of way.

The incident occurred around 1.30 pm on Thursday, October 30 near N G Circle at B C Road in Bantwal taluk. According to police, the ambulance (KA-22-C-1382) was rushing from Puttur to Mangaluru, ferrying a seriously injured victim from the Bisile Ghat accident for advanced medical treatment.

“The doctors at Puttur Government Hospital had provided first aid and referred the patient to Mangaluru for further care. However, while en route, the ambulance’s passage was obstructed by a two-wheeler rider who failed to yield despite the siren being clearly audible,” a police officer said.

The motorcyclist, identified as Mohammed Mansoor (38), a resident of Bettampady village in Puttur taluk, was reportedly riding a bike bearing registration number KA-19-EK-0696. His failure to give way caused delay and obstruction to the emergency vehicle, police added.

Following the incident, the Bantwal Town police registered a case in Crime No. 128/2025 under Sections 110 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for wilfully obstructing an emergency vehicle on duty. The accused has been taken into custody, and further legal action is in progress, officers confirmed.

Police have strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of gross negligence and irresponsibility. “Obstructing an ambulance or any emergency vehicle is a punishable offence under law. Every second counts in saving a life. We urge all motorists to immediately give way when they hear a siren,” officials cautioned.

The incident has sparked sharp criticism from locals and social media users, with many urging stricter enforcement and awareness to ensure unhindered movement of emergency vehicles in Karnataka’s busy traffic corridors.