Bengaluru, 17 May

 A 28-year-old software engineer was killed in a road rage incident in South Bengaluru after a petty argument over cigarettes escalated into a fatal attack. The case, initially mistaken for a hit-and-run, came to light after police reviewed CCTV footage.

The victim, Sanjay, a resident of Vajarahalli, was returning home with his friend Chetan on 10 May after a night shift. Around 4.20am, they stopped at a tea stall near Konanakunte Cross on Kanakapura Road to smoke.

Prateek, a sales manager with a private firm, arrived at the stall with his wife in a car and allegedly asked the duo to get him cigarettes. When they refused, a heated exchange followed. Locals diffused the situation, and Sanjay and Chetan resumed their journey.

However, enraged by the argument, Prateek allegedly pursued them in his car and intentionally rammed their bike from behind. Both men were thrown off the vehicle. Sanjay suffered critical injuries and died in hospital on 13 May. Chetan remains hospitalised with serious injuries.

Initially classified as a hit-and-run, Subramanyapura Police reviewed CCTV footage and discovered the act was deliberate. Prateek has been arrested and his vehicle seized. A case of murder has been registered.

Police are also questioning Prateek’s wife, who was present during the incident, to determine her role.

The case has sparked outrage over rising road rage and reckless behaviour on Bengaluru's roads.