Full Breakdown
Love-Marriage Kidnapping Triggers Multi-Vehicle Crash in Bengaluru
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Incident Overview
On Wednesday night, four men entered the home of 21-year-old Pooja in Agrahara Dasarahalli, assaulted her husband Om Prakash, and forced her into a Hyundai Venue. The vehicle sped through Govindarajanagar and Vijayanagar, colliding with more than 20 other vehicles—including a judge’s car—and injuring six by-standers. Residents pursued the car for nearly seven kilometres, blocked it near Hosahalli, rescued Pooja, and handed three of the accused to police. The driver, identified as Saddam, fled and remains at large.
Background
Pooja and Om Prakash, both from Melwas village in Rajasthan’s Pali district, married about nine months ago despite family opposition. Police allege a paternal aunt hired men to abduct Pooja and return her to Rajasthan.
Key Figures
- Pooja – 21-year-old woman from Melwas.
- Om Prakash – 23-year-old husband.
- N Yetish – Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru.
- Rakesh, Karan, Ayas/Ayan – accused men.
- Saddam – alleged driver, absconding.
- Deepak and Kiran – residents who chased the vehicle.
Timeline
- ~7:30–8 pm: Men break into Pooja’s house, assault Om Prakash, and bundle Pooja into the SUV.
- Immediately after: Residents hear screams; Deepak and Kiran begin a pursuit on a two-wheeler.
- ~6–7 km later: The SUV rams into more than 20 vehicles.
- Following the collisions: Residents stone the vehicle and block its path near Hosahalli.
- After the blockade: Pooja is rescued; three accused are seized; the driver escapes.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles damaged: Over 20, including a judge’s car.
- Injured persons: Six – Prithviraj, Yashika, Amul, Mani, Jayalakshmi (57, serious head injury, ICU), and Santosh.
- Arrests: Rakesm, Karan, Ayas/Ayan placed in custody; driver Saddam remains at large.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Commissioner N Yetish said the kidnapping appears linked to family opposition, stating “prima facie, it is found that the victim married against the wishes of her family members, which is the reason for the crime.” He added that “initial investigation suggests that a paternal aunt of the girl was behind the incident and hired supari goondas to kidnap her and bring her to Rajasthan.” A case has been registered at Magadi Road police station under multiple sections of the Bangalore North (BNS) Act covering assault, kidnapping, and rash/negligent driving. Police are questioning the arrested men and planning to send a team to Rajasthan to apprehend any additional participants.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents Deepak and Kiran recounted hearing Pooja’s cries, following the SUV for nearly seven kilometres, and alerting locals who helped block the car. Injured by-standers received medical care, with Jayalakshmi’s condition described as serious and requiring ICU treatment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Accused’s ages: Sources differ on Rakesh’s age (21 vs. 31).
- Paternal aunt’s involvement: Police attribute motive to the aunt, but no formal charge or corroborating evidence has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Initial investigation suggests that a paternal aunt of the girl was behind the incident and hired supari goondas to kidnap her and bring her to Rajasthan,” — Yetish
- “Prima facie, it is found that the victim married against the wishes of her family members, which is the reason for the crime,” — Yetish
What’s Next
Police continue to search for driver Saddam and have announced a pending deployment of a team to Rajasthan to locate any relatives implicated in the kidnapping. The investigation remains open, with additional charges possible pending further evidence.