In a chilling case of road rage murder, a Bengaluru couple has been arrested for deliberately chasing and ramming their car into a motorcycle, killing 24-year-old gig worker Darshan and seriously injuring his friend Varun. The gruesome incident, captured on CCTV footage, unfolded on October 25, 2025, after 9:30 PM in Srirama Layout, Puttenahalli, JP Nagar.
What began as a minor side-mirror brush escalated into a deadly pursuit spanning nearly two kilometers. The accused - Manoj Kumar, a martial arts instructor, and his wife Aarti - allegedly reversed their vehicle, hunted down the bikers, and intentionally crashed into them at high speed before fleeing the scene.
According to police reconstruction based on CCTV evidence and witness statements, the sequence of events was as follows:
Darshan succumbed to severe head trauma and internal bleeding en route to the hospital. Varun suffered multiple fractures and lacerations but survived after emergency surgery.
Initially logged as an accidental death by JP Nagar Traffic Police, the case took a dramatic turn when investigators reviewed four CCTV cameras along the route. The footage clearly showed:
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Lokesh Jagalasar told media: “This was no accident. The driver had ample opportunity to disengage but chose to hunt them down. The footage leaves no doubt about premeditated intent.”
In a brazen attempt to tamper with evidence, Manoj and Aarti returned to the crash site 40 minutes later wearing surgical masks and caps. CCTV captured them:
Police recovered the bag from the couple’s residence during a raid the next morning. Forensic analysis matched the plastic shards to their Hyundai Creta.
Darshan M, 24, was a Swiggy delivery partner from Mandya who moved to Bengaluru six months ago chasing better opportunities. A commerce graduate, he worked double shifts to support his widowed mother and younger sister’s education.
Friends described him as soft-spoken and responsible. “He never argued with customers, never broke rules. That night he was dropping Varun home after their shift,” said colleague Ravi.
His last delivery was a biryani order to a PG in JP Nagar 7th Phase - completed at 9:18 PM. He had ₹840 in earnings that day, tucked in his shirt pocket, recovered crushed and blood-soaked at the scene.
Manoj Kumar, 36, runs a karate dojo in Bannerghatta Road. Former students allege a history of violent outbursts during training. One parent filed a complaint in 2023 after Manoj allegedly slapped a 12-year-old for poor form - later withdrawn under pressure.
Aarti, 32, is a homemaker. Neighbors claim the couple often argued loudly over finances. Their Creta was bought on loan in 2024 - the mirror damage would have cost ~₹8,000 to repair.
During interrogation, Manoj reportedly said: “They broke my mirror and didn’t even stop. I just wanted to teach them a lesson.” When informed Darshan died, he allegedly remained silent.
The case was upgraded within 24 hours based on irrefutable video evidence. Charges now include:
The couple was produced before a magistrate on October 27 and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Bail pleas were rejected citing flight risk and public outrage.
Darshan’s death is the third road rage fatality involving delivery agents in Bengaluru in 2025. Data shows:
Delivery platforms have announced ₹5 lakh compensation to Darshan’s family and job assurance for his sister. But activists demand systemic change:
The CCTV clip went viral within hours, amassing 8 million views. Hashtags #JusticeForDarshan and #BengaluruRoadRage trended nationwide. Citizens demanded:
Manoj’s karate academy was vandalized on October 28. Police deployed extra security. Parents pulled 42 students from enrollment in 48 hours.
Legal experts say this case could set a benchmark for vehicular homicide. The use of CCTV as primary evidence, combined with intent proven through chase patterns, makes conviction likely under IPC 302.
Varun, still in ICU, has given a statement via video: “Darshan apologized even for the small touch. They killed him for nothing.”
As Bengaluru mourns another young life lost to senseless rage, Darshan’s mother waits outside the mortuary - clutching his bloodied Swiggy bag, praying for justice in a city that promised her son a future.
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