Driver Arrested Following Viral Hit-and-Run of Female Biker in Gurugram

Driver Arrested After Viral Video Shows Female Biker Hit in Gurugram

A dramatic hit-and-run incident captured on video is shaking India, as police have taken a driver into custody in the wake of viral footage depicting a car striking a female motorcyclist in Gurugram, near Delhi. The case has prompted public outcry and renewed discussions about the safety of female bikers on Indian roads.

The incident occurred on a Sunday ride when Shivani Chauhan and her fellow motorcyclists were hit by a white car. The video, recorded by Chauhan’s helmet camera, shows the car dangerously approaching and impacting her bike, causing her to fall as the vehicle drove off without stopping.

Chauhan shared the alarming footage on Instagram, which quickly garnered widespread attention and led the police to arrest the driver, Kalyan Bainsla. Bainsla, a gym owner, has denied intentionally hitting Chauhan, claiming in a television interview that the motorcyclists had repeatedly cut him off, causing him to lose control.

Police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar confirmed that charges were initially filed for reckless driving but have since been upgraded to include attempted murder. Bainsla’s account, detailing an attempt to avoid confrontation and asserting that he did not recognize Chauhan as a woman, has been met with skepticism by Chauhan and her supporters.

In a post-incident statement, Chauhan rejected Bainsla’s narrative, maintaining that the driver was hostile and that she feared for her safety. She has also raised concerns about potential intoxication, although it remains unclear whether police conducted alcohol tests at the scene. Bainsla’s legal representative rebuffed these claims, arguing against the classification of the incident as a hit-and-run.

The situation highlights broader issues faced by female riders in India, who frequently encounter harassment and unsafe conditions. Women in the biking community have shared their own experiences of being followed or harassed. Some, like riding instructor Divya Sandhu, argue that social attitudes towards female riders have hardly progressed over the years.

Pallavi Singh, another motorcyclist, noted that women often disguise their identities on the road to avoid unwanted attention, illustrating a pervasive culture of intimidation and mockery concerning women’s driving abilities. The incident serves as a jarring reminder of the challenges female bikers face, emphasizing the need for societal change and improved road safety measures.

Photo by Raju Kumar on Unsplash