Bengaluru Techie Killed In Hit-and-Run After Refusing To Buy Cigarettes

A 29-year-old software professional became a victim of a road rage incident in Bengaluru following a dispute over a cigarette request. The suspect, identified as Prateek, 31, has been taken into custody and faces murder charges.

'Victim Was On Late-Night Break'

The victim, HN Sanjay, a resident of Vajarahalli, was on a late-night break near Vasanthapura Cross on Kanakapura Road with his colleague, Chetan Pujamath, when the confrontation unfolded in the early hours of May 10.

According to preliminary investigations, Prateek, who works as a manager at a private firm and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, approached the two men from his car and asked Sanjay to get him a cigarette from a roadside vendor. Sanjay refused, allegedly confronting Prateek for his arrogant behaviour, which quickly escalated into an argument.

Local residents intervened and separated the men, after which Prateek drove away from the scene, only to allegedly return moments later. As Sanjay and Chetan rode back to their workplace on a two-wheeler, Prateek reportedly chased them in his vehicle and rammed into their bike from behind.

The impact caused Sanjay to fall and sustain severe head injuries after hitting the pavement. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries on May 14. Chetan also suffered significant injuries and remains hospitalized.

CCTV footage from the area has been secured and is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation. The Subramanyapura police have registered a case of murder and are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crime.

At the time of the incident, Prateek was reportedly returning home from a party with his wife. Authorities confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, there have been several road rage incidents in Bengaluru. Recently, there was a fist fight involving Indian Air Force officer and a BPO employee in Bengaluru due to road rage. 

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