A New Year's Eve celebration near a popular Bengaluru mall turned into a scene of horror after an allegedly intoxicated advocate lost control of his high-speed SUV, ploughing into a crowd of revellers and leaving four people critically injured.
Chilling Details of the New Year's Eve Crash
The incident occurred around 10:15 PM on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, in the vicinity of the Phoenix Mall of Asia. According to police reports, the area was densely packed with pedestrians celebrating the arrival of the new year. At this moment, a Mahindra XUV-700 emerged from the mall's premises at a dangerously high speed.
The vehicle first smashed into iron barricades that had been installed by the mall's management on the footpath. Unable to stop, the SUV then careened directly into the crowd of people, causing panic and severe injuries.
Victims and Legal Action Against Driver & Mall
The police have identified the four injured victims who were rushed to Manipal Hospital for treatment. They are:
- Akkamma, 30
- Chandrashekhar, 36
- Rajalakshmi, 53
- Prajwal Shashidhar Chavadi, 27
The accused driver has been named as Sunil Kumar Singh B, a 48-year-old advocate. The Chikka Baanavara traffic police have registered a case against him under multiple sections of the law.
He faces charges under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving endangering human life. Additionally, he has been booked under Section 185 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In a significant move, the police have also filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the management of the Phoenix Mall of Asia. The allegation is that the mall authorities failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect the large number of visitors gathered outside their premises on a busy festive night.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
This tragic event has raised serious questions about road safety, enforcement of drunk driving laws, and the responsibility of commercial establishments during peak hours. The decision to prosecute the mall management highlights a growing expectation for venues to ensure safety beyond their property lines, especially during events that attract massive crowds.
As the injured fight for recovery in the hospital, the case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of negligent and intoxicated driving, turning a night of celebration into one of trauma for multiple families in Bengaluru.
