Rising road rage in Mumbai, Bengaluru: Traffic, temperament among key triggers, say experts
Mumbai/Bengaluru: Recent incidents of road rage in Mumbai and Bengaluru have brought the issue of traffic-related aggression to the forefront. Alarming scenes captured on CCTV have revealed the extent of violence on the streets, with some cases leading to serious injuries.
In a recent incident at the Abhilak Junction signal on New Link Road in Kandivali, two young men, Chotu Maniyar and Pratham Khillare, both 22, assaulted a 34-year-old priest, Ashishkumar Dubey, and his relative, Ajit Agnihotri, after their two-wheelers collided. The attackers used a knife and a bamboo stick in the confrontation.
Another viral video from Bengaluru showed a biker smashing the windscreen of a car after the driver applied the brakes without signaling. The incident injured a seven-month-old child inside the car, as the biker's rage escalated despite the couple's pleas.
Experts attribute such incidents to the high levels of stress and frustration experienced by drivers in congested cities like Mumbai, which has topped the global 'Driving Cities Index' for road rage incidents. Psychologists stress on the need for stricter penalties, increased surveillance, and self-care practices to address this growing urban challenge.
Dr. Rajan Bhonsle, a psychologist and couples counselor, highlighted that the pressure to reach destinations on time often leads to heightened aggression on the road. He noted that while some individuals maintain a calm demeanor despite domestic tensions, others with difficulty managing emotions are more susceptible to road rage.
With road rage incidents on the rise, experts urge drivers to practice patience and caution, particularly in highly congested urban areas.
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Mob ransacks 25 shops, sets vehicles on fire in Nagamangala
Mandya: On Wednesday night, Nagamangala witnessed a wave of violence as looters targeted over 25 shops, vandalising properties and setting stolen motorcycles ablaze. The unrest followed clashes between two groups the previous day.
CCTV footage revealed the extent of the destruction, showing men breaking into a bike showroom, damaging vehicles before setting them on fire. Miscreants also dismantled surveillance cameras before looting several shops, including a textile store and a scrap materials shop, both of which were reduced to ashes.
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The fire department received its first alert at 9:15 PM, with units from Nagamangala, KR Pet, Mandya, and Channarayapatna joining forces to extinguish the blaze. Around 50 firefighters battled the flames until early Thursday morning.
Nagamangala police have registered 10 FIRs, including charges of arson and theft. In response, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal announced a bandh in the town on Friday.
