A routine late-night check for drunk driving on Bengaluru's Mysuru Road spiraled into a dramatic and destructive scene this past Saturday when an intoxicated two-wheeler rider turned violent, threatened officers, and ultimately set his own motorcycle ablaze before fleeing.
Confrontation at the Checkpoint
The incident unfolded near the Byatarayanapura traffic police station. Around 10:35 PM on Saturday, police conducting a special drive stopped a rider at Kavika Junction, directly opposite the station. The rider, identified as Venkatesh, a resident of BTM Layout I Stage in his late 20s, was immediately suspected of being under the influence due to the strong smell of alcohol.
When officers asked him to take a breathalyser test using an alcometer, Venkatesh reacted with aggression. He reportedly threatened the police personnel, defiantly stating, "I will not blow into the alcometer. I suggest you kill me, or I will set fire to my bike." Despite his threats, he was taken to the nearby police station along with his black Bajaj Discover motorcycle.
Extreme Intoxication and Escalation
At the station, the mandatory test confirmed the officers' suspicions. Venkatesh's blood alcohol concentration was found to be a staggering 367 mg/100 ml, a level indicating severe intoxication, far above the legal limit. As police moved to issue him a formal notice for drunk driving, the situation escalated further.
Venkatesh allegedly refused to accept the notice, left the station while shouting at the officers, but then returned shortly after. In a shocking act, he set his parked motorcycle on fire. The flames quickly spread to a nearby Yamaha Fascino scooter, which had been seized earlier in an accident, gutting both vehicles. Taking advantage of the chaos, Venkatesh managed to escape from the spot before the police could apprehend him.
Police Investigation and Charges
Authorities revealed that during the confrontation, Venkatesh argued that this was his second drunk-driving offence and even threatened to commit suicide rather than pay the imposed fine. Police suspect that underlying personal issues may have triggered his extreme reaction.
A case has been registered against the absconding Venkatesh under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty)
- Section 324 (mischief)
- Section 326 (mischief by fire or explosive substance)
The police have launched a search operation to trace and arrest him. The entire incident, including the vehicle fire, occurred in the presence of night-duty officers and staff outside the traffic police station, highlighting the brazen nature of the act.
