A woman escaped death by seconds after a car allegedly driven by an intoxicated man mounted the pavement and struck her on New Year’s Eve in Sahakara Nagar, Bengaluru, police said. The collision took place at about 10pm on 31 December close to a shopping mall, at a time when large crowds were gathered across the city to see in the New Year.
Bengaluru New Year car incident and CCTV footage
CCTV footage of the event, which has been widely circulated online, appears to show the car suddenly veering to the left before climbing the kerb and hitting the woman. Onlookers rushed to her aid and she was taken to hospital for medical attention. Police have not yet disclosed the extent of her injuries.
Officers from the local police said they are verifying the video and piecing together witness accounts to establish the exact sequence of events. They confirmed the driver is being questioned and that investigators are probing whether alcohol was a factor.
The incident has raised questions about pedestrian safety in busy nightlife areas. Although city authorities had announced strict security and traffic arrangements for the New Year celebrations, the episode shows the hazards that can arise when large crowds and late-night traffic coincide.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh had earlier said that nearly 20,000 personnel were deployed across the city for the New Year period. The deployment included law-and-order teams, traffic units, reserve platoons, anti-sabotage squads and specialised crime units, with a stated emphasis on women’s safety in public places. Despite the extensive arrangements, incidents such as this demonstrate the challenges of crowd and traffic management on high-density nights.
Local police are reviewing footage from multiple cameras in the area and collecting statements from witnesses and nearby businesses. Authorities said further action will depend on the findings of the forensic examination of the vehicle and the driver’s condition at the time of the crash.
Residents and regular visitors to nightlife hubs such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street and Indiranagar expressed concern that a single reckless act can put large numbers of people at risk. City officials said they would study the incident to determine whether additional measures are needed around busy commercial areas during major events.
In the meantime, investigators have appealed for anyone with additional footage or information to come forward to assist the inquiry. The police reiterated advice for pedestrians to remain vigilant in crowded areas and for drivers to avoid driving under the influence and to exercise caution around high-footfall locations.
The case remains under active investigation and police said they will release more details as they become available, including the condition of the injured woman and any charges that may be filed against the driver.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus keyword: Bengaluru New Year car incident — CCTV shows a vehicle mounting the pavement and striking a pedestrian.
- Incident occurred near a shopping mall in Sahakara Nagar at around 10pm on 31 December during heavy New Year crowds.
- Police are verifying footage and investigating whether the driver was intoxicated; the woman was taken for medical assistance.
- Authorities had deployed extensive New Year security, and investigators are gathering witness statements and CCTV to establish the sequence of events.
