A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer was allegedly assaulted in a case of road rage in Bengaluru early Monday morning. The altercation between Wing Commander Sheeladitya Bose and a biker has now taken a twist, with police citing evidence that contradicts initial claims.
Road Rage or Language Row?
The confrontation occurred around 6 am while Bose and his wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Dutta, were en route to Kempegowda International Airport. Both are currently employed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
While early reports suggested a language-related clash after Bose alleged he was verbally abused in Kannada, police dismissed these speculations. “This is a case of road rage. An altercation took place between them— both attacked each other,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Devaraj D.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
The IAF officer says:
I AM BIGGER THAN HIM
I AM TALLER THAN HIM
IF I WANTED I WOULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING I WANT.
I DIDNT DO ANYTHINGThis is the truth!
Wonder what @RShivshankar will say after this!
ARMY’s TRUTH AND VALOUR, yeah?#ArrestShiladityaBose pic.twitter.com/fb7TWG8DSr— ಸುಷ್ಮಾ ಅಯ್ಯಂಗಾರ್ (@malnadkoos) April 21, 2025
What Triggered the Altercation?
According to the police, the incident began when Dutta allegedly hit a biker while opening the car door, leading to a heated exchange. Bose later posted a video on social media showing his bloodied face, accusing the biker of targeting him after spotting the DRDO sticker on their vehicle.
“When my wife noticed the biker’s reckless driving and tried to avoid him, the biker stopped in front of the car,” Bose said in the video. “When I got out of the car, he immediately hit me on the forehead with his keys… That man even picked up a stone and tried to damage my car.”
Complaint Filed, Accused Arrested
Police registered a case at Baiyappanahalli police station based on Dutta’s complaint, booking the accused under grievous hurt and criminal intimidation. “When they came to the police station, he was advised by the SHO to get first aid, as he was bleeding, and then return to file the FIR,” said DCP Devaraj. “But since he was getting late, he left for the airport. We later traced Madhumita’s details and approached the DRDO quarters.”
The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar, claimed he approached the couple after allegedly hearing a remark. “What are you talking about?” he said, questioning Dutta. “What is madam saying?” he asked Bose, which sparked the altercation, according to his version.
New CCTV Footage Shows IAF Officer as Aggressor
Fresh CCTV footage from the scene, along with videos shared by bystanders, suggest that Wing Commander Bose may have initiated the confrontation. “Newly released CCTV footage shows Bose as the aggressor, initiating the physical confrontation with the biker,” said a police officer who wished to remain anonymous.
In one clip, Bose is seen in a chokehold with Kumar, while Dutta, wearing a blue T-shirt, tries to de-escalate the fight. Another angle shows Bose dragging the biker onto the road and continuing the assault.
The footage has raised questions over the initial narrative, which portrayed Bose as a victim of regional and linguistic bias.
Investigation Ongoing
“We have a lot of video evidence and will proceed with the investigation,” said DCP Devaraj, adding that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined.
