Belthangady: Police car–bike collision in Punjalkatte; rider dies

Belthangady: Police car–bike collision in Punjalkatte; rider dies

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, December 30, 2025: In Pilatabettu Kattimane, under the jurisdiction of Punjalkatte police station in Bantwal taluk, a collision occurred between a police officer driving a Nano car and a bike. The bike rider, Imran Mohammad Tah, a resident of Marnabailu, sustained severe injuries and died on the spot.

The car was being driven by Prasanna, a police constable on duty in Mangaluru’s DCR E division. The accident happened as the car and bike collided head-on, and the bike rider was thrown against the car windshield and then outside. He suffered severe injuries to his head and a leg was severed, resulting in his death.

After the accident, the police constable Prasanna reportedly fled the scene. Bystanders noticed a bottle containing alcohol inside the car and recorded a video that went viral online. A police cap was also found inside the car, raising suspicions that the officer may have been driving under the influence.

Following the viral video shared by a woman, SP Arun instructed an investigation. Constable Prasanna was examined in the presence of the woman who made the video and the victim’s relatives. Alcohol tests conducted at the scene came back negative, and SP Arun has also directed a blood test. A case regarding the incident has been registered at Punjalkatte police station.