A terrifying scene unfolded at one of Bengaluru's popular shopping destinations on Saturday night when an allegedly intoxicated driver lost control of his vehicle and ploughed into a crowd of people. The incident, which occurred at the Mall of Asia on Old Airport Road, left four individuals injured and sent shockwaves through the area.
Chaos at the Mall Entrance
The accident took place at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday, May 25. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, a black Mahindra Thar SUV, driven by 24-year-old Likith Gowda, was exiting the mall's parking area. Instead of proceeding safely onto the service road, the vehicle accelerated abruptly, mounted the footpath, and crashed directly into a group of pedestrians who were standing near the mall's entrance.
The force of the impact was severe. Four people, including a woman, were struck by the SUV. They sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital for urgent medical treatment. While the injuries were reported to be not life-threatening, the victims suffered from trauma and physical harm due to the sudden and violent collision.
Swift Police Action and Arrest
Officials from the Bellandur traffic police station responded promptly to the scene. Upon interacting with the driver, Likith Gowda, they suspected he was under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyser test was administered, which confirmed their suspicions. The test revealed that Gowda's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 124 mg/100 ml, which is significantly above the legal limit of 30 mg/100 ml in Karnataka.
Based on the evidence and the results of the breathalyser test, the police placed Likith Gowda under arrest. He has been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act for drunk driving and causing injury through negligent and dangerous conduct. The black Thar SUV was seized by the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
This incident has sparked renewed concern among Bengaluru's citizens regarding road safety, especially in crowded commercial and recreational zones. Malls and shopping complexes see high foot traffic, particularly on weekends, making such negligent actions potentially catastrophic.
The Bellandur traffic police have emphasized the dangers of drunk driving, which remains a persistent and deadly problem on Indian roads. This case at Mall of Asia serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of mixing alcohol with driving—a decision that endangered innocent lives and could have easily resulted in fatalities.
Investigations are continuing to ascertain if there were any other contributing factors to the accident. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the mall's premises to get a clearer picture of the moments leading up to the crash. The injured victims are expected to recover, but the psychological shock of such an event often lingers long after physical wounds heal.
