IAF Officer Booked for Attempt to Murder in Bengaluru Road Rage Case

BENGALURU, April 22, 2025 — In a dramatic twist to the Bengaluru road rage incident that recently sparked widespread attention online, Indian Air Force officer Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose has been booked on multiple serious charges, including attempt to murder and spreading misinformation, following a police investigation and video evidence that contradicted his initial claims.

The officer, who earlier went viral on social media alleging that he was assaulted for not speaking Kannada, is now facing legal action after fresh footage surfaced showing him physically assaulting a biker, identified as Vikas Kumar, a software team lead. The Bengaluru Police registered an FIR against Bose under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 304 (snatching), 324 (mischief), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).

Contradictory Claims and Video Evidence

Bose had earlier posted a video on social media claiming he was attacked by a Kannada-speaking biker because he did not speak the local language. In the video, he displayed injuries on his face and neck and accused the attacker of using racial slurs. However, multiple eyewitness videos and CCTV footage have since emerged, showing the officer violently thrashing the biker and throwing away his phone.

Eyewitnesses reported that Bose appeared to lose control and attacked Vikas repeatedly, with one bystander stating, “He was hitting him like mad, had lost control completely.” Others intervened to stop the altercation, but the officer allegedly continued his assault.

The Complaint and Police Response

Vikas Kumar filed a formal complaint with the Byappanahalli Police Station, leading to the FIR against Bose. The complaint details how the officer allegedly initiated the confrontation after his car brushed against Vikas’s bike. Vikas’s mother, Jyothi, speaking to CNN-News18, alleged that Bose escalated the situation unprovoked, bit her son’s hand, and kicked him multiple times.

“It is clearly his fault,” she said. “How right is it for someone to come to our land, attack us, and then place the blame on us?”

Police investigations revealed that Bose falsely claimed he was associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and uploaded misleading videos in an apparent attempt to control the narrative. According to police, he later fled to Kolkata and attempted to use his position in the armed forces to influence the investigation.

Statements from Authorities

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Devaraj D confirmed that both parties were involved in the altercation but emphasized that video evidence pointed to the IAF officer as the primary aggressor.

“This is a case of road rage. An altercation took place, and both sides attacked each other. But ample video evidence has emerged indicating that the officer’s actions escalated the situation,” the DCP said.

He further added that Bose was advised to get medical aid before filing an FIR, but instead, he proceeded to the airport and later posted videos online. The incident reportedly took place during Bose’s journey to the airport from DRDO quarters in CV Raman Nagar.

Political Response

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed that Bose is currently absconding and said that police are actively investigating the matter. “We have registered an FIR. A complaint has been received from the biker, and legal action is being taken accordingly,” he said.

What’s Next?

While Bose has claimed he was heading to Kolkata to visit his ailing father, authorities are treating him as absconding. The Indian Air Force is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The incident has sparked a debate on social media over language issues, regional sensitivity, and the conduct of uniformed personnel in civilian disputes. Police have assured a fair and thorough investigation, driven by video and eyewitness accounts, to bring clarity to the case.