Sir,

This refers to the recent news item in Star of Mysore titled “Fake accident menace returns to haunt commuters.” It is not just returning; it has always been there. Let me share my experience that occurred last December. I recalled this after seeing a series of news reports in SOM about fake accidents and how money is extorted.

My son was returning home from Sagarakatte near Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) around 6.45 pm in a four-wheeler. As he slowed down at a road hump, a two-wheeler coming from opposite direction swerved to the wrong side and brushed against the side of the car, despite my son moving completely to the extreme left, almost to the edge of the kerb, to avoid a collision.

The two-wheeler rider, who was drunk, talking on his mobile phone, riding without a helmet and carrying a pillion, fell near the hump after damaging the side of the car. My son and his co-passenger tried to help them but they refused any assistance.

The car driver immediately dialled 112 to inform the Police, but was connected to the wrong jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the two-wheeler duo tried to get up and leave, but my son insisted they wait until the Police arrived.

Within 10 minutes, the rider had called someone from a nearby village and a gang of villagers arrived, creating a scene and demanding money. Sensing trouble, my son offered to take the injured duo to a nearby clinic or hospital for first-aid.

On the way, the duo insisted on going to a specific hospital. Not suspecting foul play, my son agreed. Upon arrival, the lady doctor gave them an ‘option’ — either settle the matter by paying Rs. 40,000 or be prepared for “actual treatment costs,” which could be much higher.

Since the car was covered under comprehensive insurance, my son refused to pay and again tried calling 112 but in vain.

Soon after, a local village leader and more gang members arrived at the hospital. The doctor and the gang pressured my son to settle the matter by paying, while CCTV cameras in the hospital were conveniently removed during the commotion.

Finally, my son paid for their first-aid himself and told them to file a Police complaint if they wished — after which he left.

The hospital later sent a report to its jurisdictional Police Station, which in turn informed the Station under whose limits the accident occurred. Even then, the Police pressured my son to settle the matter, threatening to seize the car.

Next day, when we went to retrieve the car, we found an FIR had been filed against my son. The same gang appeared at the Police Station, offering to withdraw complaint if we paid them. We informed our car insurance agency, which said such scams are common and assured us they would handle the claims. My son had to attend court through a lawyer to seek acquittal.

Later, we received a notice from the insurance company regarding an exorbitant settlement claim: Hospital stay for minor hand bruises, two-wheeler damages (broken side-view mirror), loss of income due to “doctor-advised rest” for three months for both riders, mental agony and other exaggerated claims amounting to a staggering Rs. 25 lakh. The insurance firm is now fighting the case in Court for an amicable settlement.

This clearly exposes the modus operandi of this well-orchestrated scam involving the riders, local gang, doctor and even Police, to extract huge sums through fake accidents and fabricated claims.

— Harish Boraiah

Vijayanagar

30.8.2025