Probe launched after viral video alleges pregnant woman stranded in Bengaluru traffic during VIP movement

Bengaluru Police have launched an inquiry after a viral social media video purportedly showed a motorist staging a sit-in protest on Bengaluru's Old Airport Road, alleging that his pregnant wife was trapped in a traffic jam caused by restrictions imposed for VIP movement.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, sparked widespread debate online amid claims that traffic had been halted for the movement of the Governor's convoy.

The video went viral on X and quickly gained attention, showing a visibly distressed man sitting on the road in front of police officers.  He allegedly refused to move when approached by officers, claiming that his pregnant wife was inside their vehicle and required urgent medical attention.

The man is also seen questioning why VIP movements were being prioritised over emergencies involving ordinary citizens.

The footage, recorded by passers-by and fellow commuters, triggered criticism of VIP traffic arrangements in the city, with several social media users highlighting the inconvenience caused to the public.

The user who uploaded the video alleged that traffic on Old Airport Road had been completely halted for nearly 30 minutes because of the Governor's movement.

"Old Airport Road is already choking under underpass construction. Today, traffic was completely halted for nearly 30 minutes due to the Governor's movement. A man carrying his pregnant wife was stuck in the gridlock. When will public convenience matter as much as VIP convenience?" the post said.

A senior traffic police officer reportedly said an inquiry had been initiated and that officials were verifying the facts surrounding the incident.

An IT veteran and a former CFO/board member at Infosys, T V Mohandas Pai has also criticised what he described as VIP culture on city roads.

On X, Pai urged Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar to review traffic restrictions imposed for VIP movements.

"Please do away with such VIP culture in the city. Police are very rude to citizens too and push them around. Citizens should be treated with respect. We are not subjects," Pai wrote.

He also tagged Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, Karnataka Director General of Police M A Saleem and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his post.