A road rage incident in Delhi has sparked concerns over public safety and police conduct after it allegedly escalated into a violent assault while police personnel present at the scene were seen recording the incident on their mobile phones instead of intervening.
The incident took place in East Delhi's Preet Vihar when a car travelling on the wrong side of the road confronted an oncoming vehicle carrying a family. According to one of the victims, he simply gestured to the driver that a U-turn was available a short distance ahead.
"These people were driving on the wrong side, so I only signalled that the U-turn was a few metres ahead. The driver got out of the car and slapped me, accusing me of abusing him. I never said a word—I only pointed towards the U-turn," the man alleged.
What began as an argument soon turned into a violent confrontation. A PCR call was made, and police personnel reached the spot. However, according to those involved, the situation deteriorated further instead of being brought under control.
The occupants of the car allegedly called additional people to the location, escalating the confrontation.
VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT GOES VIRAL
A video of the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, captures the chaotic scenes on a busy roadside in Preet Vihar during the evening.
The footage shows members of both groups arguing beside their vehicles before a crowd gathered in an attempt to intervene, even as Delhi Police personnel remained present.
As tensions escalated, the confrontation turned physical, with both sides pushing and shoving each other. The video also shows some individuals wielding sticks while distressed women accompanying the family can be heard screaming.
One man, who appeared to have been struck with a stick, is seen holding his bleeding head in the footage.
Throughout the altercation, several police personnel can allegedly be seen filming the incident on their mobile phones.
"The PCR team arrived when we were talking peacefully. The police were watching everything. One of the men from the other group came forward, abused us and struck one of our people on the head with a stick, causing him to bleed. The police tried to stop them but were unable to control the situation," the victim alleged.
An eyewitness gave a similar account of the events.
"A man abused and slapped the person who had asked him to drive on the correct side of the road. Shortly afterwards, the argument turned into a scuffle and people from both sides were injured. They took out sticks and attacked the other group. All of this happened in front of the police," the eyewitness claimed.
Passersby eventually intervened to separate the two groups. Police later escorted members of both parties to the police station.
The incident has drawn criticism over the alleged failure of the police to prevent the violence despite being present at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
