Manali: Viral Video Shows Driver Attacking Truck, Then Shopkeeper’s Family; Accused Absconding

A shocking road rage incident in Himachal Pradesh's Manali has sparked outrage after videos of two violent attacks allegedly involving the same accused went viral on social media. Manali Police have registered criminal cases and launched a search operation to arrest the accused, identified as Sanjay Kumar, who is currently absconding.

According to a complaint filed at Manali Police Station on May 29, Prem Chand, a resident of Gahar village in Kullu district, was transporting tiles from Kullu to Leh in his truck (HP-34E-8542) along with conductor Thakur Das. Around 6 pm, near Hotel Neelam in Rangri, a Hyundai Venue (HP-58A-9691) driven by Sanjay Kumar of Rangri allegedly overtook the truck and suddenly stopped in front of it, blocking the road.

The complainant alleged that Sanjay Kumar began abusing him and arguing aggressively. He then allegedly took out a crowbar/sickle-like weapon from his vehicle and attacked the truck, smashing its windows. The accused also allegedly snatched the truck's ignition key before fleeing the spot. The entire incident was captured on video by bystanders and later went viral on social media.

Fortunately, neither the truck driver nor the conductor sustained any injuries. Two eyewitnesses reportedly confirmed the sequence of events.

Based on the complaint and available evidence, Manali Police registered an FIR under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 324(2) (mischief causing damage to property), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). DSP Manali KD Sharma confirmed that an investigation is underway.

In a separate incident shortly after the road rage attack, the accused Sanjay Kumar, along with his associate Deshraj, allegedly entered a shop on Kanyal Road in Rangri and attacked shopkeeper Anil Kumar, his wife, and an employee with sticks and clubs. According to the complaint, the accused started a fight without provocation and assaulted the victims before vandalising the shop.

The complainant alleged that Sanjay Kumar had previously visited the shop, demanded goods without payment, and threatened him whenever he refused. Police suspect the attack may have been linked to this ongoing dispute.

The shopkeeper, his wife, and the employee sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. Police have registered another case under relevant sections and initiated further legal action.

As videos of both incidents continue to circulate online, demands for strict action against the accused have intensified on social media. Police have assured that efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused and that strict legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.

#Manali #RoadRage #ViralVideo #HimachalPradesh #CrimeNews