Rage over cigarette request ends in murder: Techie run over in Bengaluru

Bengaluru witnessed a tragic case of road rage that resulted in the death of a young software engineer following a heated argument in the early hours of May 10. The incident occurred near Konanakunte Cross on Kanakapura Road, involving two IT professionals and a couple returning from a late-night party.

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Sanjay and Chetan, both working remotely, had stepped out for a casual tea break around 4 AM. While at a roadside stall, they encountered Prateek and his wife, who had parked nearby after celebrating a birthday. An unexpected confrontation began when Prateek allegedly asked the engineers to buy him cigarettes. Sanjay and Chetan refused, which reportedly triggered an argument between the two parties.

Onlookers managed to calm the situation, and the engineers decided to leave on their Yamaha R15 bike. However, just minutes later, as they attempted a U-turn at a bend on Kanakapura Road, the unthinkable happened, Prateek allegedly drove his car directly into them at high speed.

The impact sent the two men crashing to the ground, with Sanjay being thrown into a closed shop’s shutter. Both were left unconscious and severely injured. Emergency services rushed them to the hospital, but Sanjay succumbed to his injuries two days later. Chetan is currently under medical care.

Police at Subramanyapura station took swift action, arresting Prateek on charges of intentional assault and homicide. Investigations are ongoing as public concern over road rage incidents intensifies.