Mangaluru Cop Smashes Car Window in Viral Video; Driver is a Murder Accused, Say Police
A video showing a traffic officer breaking a car's rear glass has sparked public debate, but the police commissioner has defended the action, identifying the driver as a known criminal.
MANGALURU: A video of a traffic policeman in Mangaluru breaking the rear window of a car has gone viral on social media, leading to a heated public discussion.
The incident occurred late on the night of October 2 in the Nanthoor area, during the Kudroli Dasara celebrations. According to reports, a traffic constable tried to stop a car that was coming from Pumpwell. When the driver failed to stop, the constable struck the rear of the vehicle with his hand, causing the back glass to shatter.
Bystanders at the scene immediately confronted the police, questioning their use of force. One person recorded the entire incident, including the argument between the public and the police. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms.
Following the online backlash, Police Commissioner Sudheer Reddy issued a statement to clarify the situation. He confirmed that a case of drunk driving has been filed at the Kadri traffic police station. The driver has been identified as Shivaprasad.
The commissioner revealed that Shivaprasad is a “rowdy-sheeter” (an individual with a history of criminal activity) and is the prime accused in the 2016 murder case of RTI activist Vinayak Baliga.
Commissioner Reddy criticized the circulation of the video, stating that portraying the police negatively amounts to supporting a criminal. “An explanation will be sought from those involved in spreading the video,” he said. “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.”
In the video, associates of Shivaprasad can be heard arguing with the officers. “Why did you break the car glass? If he is at fault, file a case, but why damage the vehicle?” one person asks.
When asked for comment, officials from the Kadri traffic division said it was unclear how the glass broke so easily from a hand strike. “It might have already had a crack. Usually, the glass doesn’t shatter that way,” an official explained.
