The Byatarayanapura police are on the lookout for a 28-year-old private firm employee who set fire to his motorcycle after the police reportedly seized it for riding under the influence of alcohol on Saturday.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 9.30 p.m. when traffic police personnel were conducting a special drive to curb drunk driving.
At around 10.35 p.m., Venkatesh riding a motorcycle was spotted coming from the Mysuru Road side. When the police attempted to stop him for checking, the rider allegedly behaved aggressively and abused the on-duty personnel.
Police officials said the rider refused to cooperate and started shouting, claiming that he had influential backing. Despite repeated requests, he did not comply with the breath analyser test and allegedly continued to create a scene on the road.
With the help of other police staff, the rider was brought to the traffic police station, where a breath analyser test was conducted. The test allegedly revealed 367 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, far exceeding the permissible limit.
During questioning, the rider identified himself as Venkatesh, a resident of BTM Layout and provided his mobile number to the police. A notice was issued to him, following which he was allowed to leave.
He went outside in a huff and later set fire to his motorcycle and escaped. By the time police doused the fire, another seized vehicle parked adjacent to it was also gutted.
The police have registered an FIR charging Venkatesh with assault or using criminal force against public servants and oher charges.
Meanwhile, the police also arrested two private firm employees for allegedly assaulting traffic policemen on duty while they intercepted one of them riding drunk in Byatarayanapura. The accused, Jayatheertha and Vishnu, have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
Published – December 31, 2025 12:43 am IST
