Drunk-rider sets himself on fire, dies as cops refuse to release his scooter

News Network
February 26, 2018

Bengaluru, Feb 26: In a shocking incident, a 40-year-old man, who was caught by police during a drunk-driving check in South Bengaluru, doused himself with petrol and then put a match in front of the Mico Layout traffic police station when police refused to release his scooter.

A critically injured Manikanta alias Mani (40) was shifted to the Victoria Hospital where he breathed his last hours later without responding to any treatment. Manikanta hailed from Tamil Nadu and worked as a truck driver at a supermarket on Bannerghatta Road. He was residing at CK Palya near Silk Board. The family members complained that police harassment had driven him to commit suicide.

Manikanta lost control of his TVS Jupiter near the Shoppers Stop junction around 2.15 am. Three policemen from the Mico Layout traffic police, led by assistant sub-inspector Murthy, were checking motorists for drunk-driving and saw Manikanta falling off the bike. They rushed to the spot and asked him to take a breathalyser test, but he refused. The policemen seized his scooter and asked him to produce the documents.

Manikanta came to the police station 20 minutes later and asked the police to return the scooter. He also kept screaming about how the police were corrupt. The policemen warned him and asked him to return in the morning to get the scooter. He left but came back after some time. Carrying a bottle of petrol, he poured it on himself and set himself ablaze.

Police later learnt that the victim had borrowed the scooter from a friend named Ravi. Ravi had initially refused to lend him the scooter, saying he had to distribute wedding invites but gave in on Manikanta's requests. Police informed Ravi after finding his wedding card on the scooter.

Comments

Sukesh shetty
 - 
Monday, 26 Feb 2018

Instead of suicide he could have tell to his friend that he had one problem. 

Mohan
 - 
Monday, 26 Feb 2018

Cops are the reason for his suicide. If cops gave back  that scooter, then these won't happen.

Hareesh Bhatt
 - 
Monday, 26 Feb 2018

He did beause he drunk alcohol. Normal person won't do such a rubbish

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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