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Mangaluru, Oct 8: A video showing a traffic police personnel breaking the rear glass of a car while attempting to stop a drunk driver in Nanthoor area has gone viral on social media, leading to heated discussions and reactions.
The incident reportedly occurred late on October 2, during the Kudroli Dasara procession. A traffic constable stationed at Nanthoor signalled a car coming from Pumpwell to stop. However, the driver did not comply, prompting the constable to hit the vehicle’s rear with his hand, causing the back glass to shatter.
Eyewitnesses at the scene confronted the police, questioning their action, while one bystander captured the entire episode on video. The footage, showing the public arguing with police officers, quickly spread across social media platforms.
Following the viral video, police commissioner Sudheer Reddy issued a clarification stating that a drunk and drive case has been registered at the Kadri traffic police station. He confirmed that the driver, identified as Shivaprasad, is a prime accused in the 2016 murder case of RTI activist Vinayak Baliga and also a known rowdy-sheeter under the jurisdiction of Barke police station.
Commissioner Reddy further remarked that circulating such videos portraying the police as negligent actually amounts to supporting a rowdy. “An explanation will be sought from those involved in spreading the video. What needs to be understood is how the incident truly happened. The police personnel were only performing their duty by stopping a drunk driver, and their action should not be misinterpreted,” he stated.
The video also shows Shivaprasad’s associates arguing with the police and questioning them, saying, “Why did you break the car glass? If he is at fault, file a case, but why damage the vehicle?”
When questioned, officials from the Kadri traffic division said it was unclear how exactly the glass broke. “It might have already had a crack. Usually, the glass doesn’t shatter that way just from a hand hit,” they explained.
