'Not Our Culture To Attack": CM Siddaramaiah Reacts To Bengaluru Road Rage Incident
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Reacting to the alleged road rage incident involving an Indian Air Force Wing Commander and his wife, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday stated in a post on X that “it is not our culture to attack or abuse others over linguistic matters.”
The incident reportedly occurred while IAF officer Shiladitya Bose and his wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Das, were travelling from CV Raman Nagar to the airport. In a video posted on social media, Bose claimed that they were confronted by a two-wheeler rider, who allegedly abused them for not speaking Kannada and physically attacked him. The video quickly sparked outrage on social media, with many supporting the officer and condemning the alleged assault.
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However, CCTV footage which emerged later showed Bose hitting the bike rider Vikar Kumar multiple times, while the locals repeatedly tried to pull the officer back.
Condemning the action of the officer, Karnataka CM wrote, “He made unwarranted and derogatory remarks about Karnataka and Kannadigas on social media, displaying conduct that is deeply disrespectful and inflammatory.”
In connection with a recent incident in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose assaulted a Kannadiga, Vikas Kumar, following a minor vehicle-related matter. Subsequently, he made unwarranted and derogatory remarks about Karnataka and Kannadigas on social media,…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 22, 2025
“Kannadigas are proud of their mother tongue, but they are not parochial or intolerant. It is not in our culture to attack or abuse others over linguistic matters. Karnataka has a long and proud tradition of embracing people from across the country, treating them with respect, and accepting them as one of our own. The inclusive spirit of this land is well documented in history,” he further added.
The state government also condemned the national media outlets for amplifying the baseless accusation without proper fact-check. “It is deeply regrettable that certain national media outlets, neglecting their responsibility and professional ethics, have amplified a baseless accusation by one individual, thereby casting aspersions on the dignity of the entire state. This has caused pain and anguish to every Kannadiga,” he wrote.
Siddaramaiah, in his post, also urged the Kannadigas not to “succumb to provocation or emotion” and also appealed not to take the law into their own hands.
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“With regard to the incident, I have instructed the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate legal action against the individuals involved – irrespective of their position or rank. The State Government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and is committed to ensuring justice for the victim,” he concluded.
A case has been registered against the Indian Air Force officer by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the road rage incident, following the complaint filed by the biker.
