Puttur: Traffic cops assault auto-driver; viral video sparks public outrage, police probe ordered

Puttur: Traffic cops assault auto-driver; viral video sparks public outrage, police probe ordered

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Oct 18, 2025: A video showing traffic police assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver has gone viral on social media. The incident took place yesterday evening on the main road connecting Darbe to the Maani-Mysuru highway. The behavior of the traffic officers has sparked widespread outrage online.

In the viral video, two traffic police officers on a two-wheeler can be seen blocking the auto-rickshaw and verbally abusing the driver while physically attacking him. It is not clear why the officers behaved in this manner.

Incident Details:

According to sources, the auto driver, a local resident of Mukai, had stopped his vehicle on the bypass road near Darbe Friday evening while talking on his mobile phone. The traffic police arrived and stopped their bike in front of his auto. The driver reportedly attempted to cross the divider toward Ashwini Circle. The police followed him, blocked the auto near the college on the main road, and verbally abused and assaulted him. In the video, one officer can be heard asking, "Are you recording on your mobile?"

Threat at the Police Station:

As a crowd gathered at the scene, the officers took the driver to the police station. There, they allegedly demanded his mobile used to record the video and threatened him against filing a complaint. The driver also reported that the police seized his auto and its documents.

Complaint and Hospitalization:

The assaulted driver later went to the DYSP office to file a verbal complaint and, due to pain from the assault, was admitted to a government hospital for treatment. He mentioned that after reporting to the DYSP, he was allowed to leave his auto and return home.

Police Department Orders Probe:

The police department stated that the video clearly shows misconduct by the officers. The reason behind the incident will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken. The incident has sparked strong public outrage, with calls for strict action against the erring officers.