Bengaluru: A 40-year-old officer from the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now facing legal action following a counter-complaint from a call centre employee, who had been arrested earlier based on the officer's allegations in a road rage incident, according to police reports released on Tuesday.

Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose claimed in a video that he was verbally assaulted and physically attacked by a group of Kannada-speaking individuals who pursued him on motorcycles early Monday morning in Bengaluru. The police responded by arresting Vikas Kumar, a team leader at a software company's call centre, labeling the incident as road rage.

Both parties have accused each other, with videos surfacing that depict the IAF officer physically confronting Kumar, creating a scene in front of onlookers. The altercation occurred while the officer was en route to the airport with his wife, who is also an IAF officer.

Following a counter-complaint from Kumar, a case has been filed against Shiladitya Bose under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Byappanahalli police station, as Kumar alleged that he too was assaulted by the officer, stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Devaraj D.

In a video statement, Kumar's mother, Jyothi, expressed her desire for justice, questioning why her son should bear the blame entirely. She accused the officer of physically assaulting her son and damaging his motorcycle.

"Despite the incident, we initially chose not to file a complaint against the officer, thinking it was a minor issue. However, the officer and his wife have escalated the situation, causing distress to my son. I seek justice for him," she remarked.

A complaint lodged by the officer's wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Dutta, led to a case being registered against unidentified individuals at the Byappanahalli police station, resulting in Kumar's arrest.

The DCP noted, "An altercation occurred between the two parties. Both engaged in physical confrontation. Around 6 am on Monday, the Air Force officer was traveling from his DRDO quarters to Kempegowda International Airport, with his wife driving and him seated beside her." He added that CCTV footage and bystander videos indicated that the conflict could have been avoided.

"When they arrived at the police station, the officer was advised to seek medical attention for his injuries before filing the FIR. However, he left for the airport due to time constraints. We later learned about the incident through social media and contacted Madhumita, who then filed a complaint at the station. An FIR has been registered for grievous hurt," he explained.

During the investigation, Vikas Kumar stated that he was merely passing by when the officer's wife allegedly made a comment, prompting him to inquire, "What are you talking about?" and approach the IAF officer to ask, "What is Madam saying?"

"We possess substantial video evidence and will continue with the investigation," the DCP confirmed.