IAF pilot assaulted in Bengaluru road rage incident, hunt on for attacker
IAF Pilot Assaulted in Road Rage Incident in Bengaluru; Police Launch Manhunt
A disturbing case of road rage in Bengaluru has shocked the nation. Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, a serving Indian Air Force officer, suffered injuries during a violent assault on Monday, April 18, 2025, in C.V. Raman Nagar, while heading to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). A biker attacked him in front of his wife, reportedly over a minor traffic disagreement.
Despite the assault, Wing Commander Bose continued to the airport to catch his flight to Kolkata, where his father required emergency medical attention. Though unable to file a complaint himself, his wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita, later registered a formal police complaint on his behalf.
A Sudden Attack in Broad Daylight
Wing Commander Bose and Squadron Leader Madhumita were en route to the airport when a biker intercepted them, apparently over a road-related dispute. Instead of a verbal exchange or a warning, the biker escalated the situation into physical violence.
Eyewitnesses saw the biker block their path, argue briefly, and then strike Wing Commander Bose with a bike key. When that wasn’t enough, he picked up a stone from the roadside and attacked him again, leaving him bleeding and dazed. The attack occurred in full public view, and the biker fled before anyone could stop him.
Despite his injuries, Bose decided to prioritize his father’s medical emergency and left for the airport.
Video from the Airport Draws National Attention
At the airport, an emotional and visibly injured Bose recorded a video on his mobile phone, describing the ordeal. In the video, he showed his injuries and appealed to authorities for action. His message, filled with disbelief and sadness, resonated across the country.
“I serve in uniform. I got assaulted in front of my wife. If this can happen to me, what about the safety of others?” he said in the video.
His appeal quickly spread online, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for immediate justice.
Complaint Filed, Police Begin Investigation
Since Wing Commander Bose had to travel urgently, his wife filed the police complaint later that day at the Baiyappanahalli Police Station. She detailed the entire incident, provided a partial description of the biker, and gave the authorities a rough idea of his escape route.
The Bengaluru Police formed a special team to trace the attacker. Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify the suspect and track his movements.
A senior officer from the station confirmed, “We’ve taken this case seriously. Our team is working with urgency to catch the person responsible.”
Public Reaction: Outrage and Solidarity
The video and news of the assault ignited social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForWgCdrBose and #IAFOfficerAssaulted trending within hours. People from all walks of life — civilians, veterans, and public figures — condemned the incident and demanded swift punishment for the assailant.
Retired Air Force officials expressed anger and concern. “Attacking someone in uniform is not just disrespect — it’s an attack on national dignity,” said Air Marshal (Retd.) Rajiv Malhotra.
Public figures and citizens urged Karnataka authorities to ensure safety on the roads, especially for defense personnel and their families.
Road Rage: A Growing Threat
The case has renewed conversations about the rising number of road rage incidents in India’s urban centers. Experts say traffic congestion, stress, and lack of public discipline often lead to violent encounters that spiral out of control.
“Road rage today has moved beyond shouting matches. It’s turning into violent crimes,” said traffic psychologist Neeraj Deshpande. “This isn’t just law enforcement’s issue — it’s a societal one.”
Many advocate for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and more awareness campaigns to address this growing menace.
Psychological and Emotional Impact
Friends of the couple shared that beyond the physical pain, the incident left Wing Commander Bose and Squadron Leader Madhumita emotionally shaken. The sense of being unsafe even while serving the nation has taken a heavy toll.
“He wore the uniform with pride, and that day, he was just trying to attend to his father’s emergency,” said a close associate. “It’s tragic and infuriating that someone could act with such rage and get away with it — at least for now.”
A National Call for Justice
While the police continue their search, citizens and defense veterans have made it clear that this case cannot be brushed aside. They’ve called on the state government to ensure quick identification and arrest of the attacker, and to set an example through strict legal action.
“There should be no tolerance for such acts — not against anyone, especially not against those who wear the uniform and serve the country selflessly,” said an ex-IAF group captain.
Conclusion: Justice Must Be Swift and Firm
The assault on Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose isn’t just a road rage incident — it’s a reflection of a growing lack of civility and accountability in public spaces. As the country watches closely, the outcome of this case could set a crucial precedent for how such acts are handled.
If we truly respect those who serve, then justice must not only be delivered — it must be seen to be done, swiftly and decisively.
