Sir,

A few months ago, it was reported that the Police had arrested a gang, faking accidents targeting senior citizens driving their four-wheelers alone. It now appears that the same gang has resurfaced or that another group is adopting a similar modus operandi.

It was Sunday evening (24.8.2025), around 6 pm, I was driving my four-wheeler and took a left turn onto New Kantharaj Urs Road (Akshaya Bhandar stretch) from Vishwamanava Double Road at Vijaya Bank Circle.

As it was a Sunday evening, the traffic was very sparse. After taking the turn, I heard a faint sound behind my car. I immediately checked the rear-view mirror but noticed there was no vehicle in sight.

A few minutes later, a two-wheeler followed me and stopped my car near the Poorvika showroom, claiming that I had hit his vehicle. As I rolled down the passenger-side window to speak to him, he suddenly got into the passenger seat and continued his argument.

Since I was absolutely certain that my vehicle had not come into contact with any other, I told him clearly that I had neither been part of nor witnessed any accident, contrary to his claim. During the exchange, he even received a phone call and informed the caller about his location.

After arguing for a while, he demanded Rs. 3,000. I firmly insisted on going to the nearest Police Station since I had a dash camera installed in my car. The argument dragged on for about 10 minutes, after which he reduced his demand to Rs. 1,000. I once again insisted that we resolve the issue at the Police Station. Following more heated words, he eventually left the spot. Amidst this commotion, I unfortunately forgot to note down his vehicle number, and the same was not captured in the dash camera either.

This incident makes me believe that many senior citizens driving alone could be facing similar harassment. I urge the Police to keep a strict watch on such gangs. As a senior citizen myself, I am deeply concerned about my safety.

– A concerned senior citizen, Mysuru, 27.8.2025

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