Routine delivery turns fatal
The victim, 24-year-old Darshan, a food delivery agent from Kembattalli, was on his way to deliver an order when his scooter accidentally brushed against a car’s rear-view mirror. He immediately apologized and drove away, unaware that his night would end in tragedy.
Deadly chase on Bengaluru streets
CCTV evidence shows Kumar taking a sharp U-turn, accelerating aggressively, and ramming Darshan’s scooter from behind. The violent impact threw Darshan and his pillion rider, Varun, onto the road. Witnesses said the car did not stop or attempt to help — it sped away into the night. (AI image)
The chilling moment caught on camera
CCTV footage from Nataraja Layout in South Bengaluru captured a car veering sharply toward a scooter late on October 25. What initially appeared to be a hit-and-run turned out to be a deliberate act of rage — an attack that would leave one young man dead and spark public outrage.
Rage behind wheel — Accused identified
Investigators later identified the car’s driver as Manoj Kumar (32), a Kalaripayattu martial arts trainer from Kerala, and his wife Aarati Sharma (30), from Jammu & Kashmir. Enraged over the minor scratch, Kumar reportedly turned his vehicle around and began chasing Darshan’s scooter.
Returning to the scene — To erase evidence
In a chilling twist, later footage showed the same car returning to the crash site around 9:40 pm. Wearing masks, the couple was seen picking up broken car parts from the road — allegedly to conceal evidence of their involvement. Unbeknownst to them, the CCTV cameras recorded their every move.
Locals rush to help — But it was too late
Shocked residents of the neighborhood ran to assist the victims, who lay injured on the road. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared Darshan brought dead on arrival. His friend Varun survived with minor injuries, providing crucial details to police.
Arrests made after police crack case
Using CCTV clues and vehicle details, police tracked the couple to their residence. They were arrested within 24 hours. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Lokesh Jagalasar confirmed that both Manoj and Aarati had been taken into 14-day judicial custody after confessing to the crime.
Family’s fight for justice
Darshan, a bachelor, is survived by his parents and sister, who filed the complaint that led to the breakthrough. His family has demanded the strictest punishment possible for the accused.