Verify facts: Bengaluru cops debunk pregnant wife claim in viral convoy protest video

A viral video that sparked widespread criticism of VIP traffic management in Bengaluru has taken a new turn, with city police claiming that the protester's allegation that his pregnant wife was stranded in traffic was not true.

The Bengaluru Police on Tuesday said an enquiry into the incident found that the man was actually travelling alone at the time.

The clarification comes a day after the video from Old Airport Road sparked outrage online.

The footage showed the visibly upset man sitting on the road and confronting police personnel over a traffic blockade reportedly imposed for the movement of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

"I have work too. My wife is pregnant, and you've stopped us at the signal. Have you blocked the road because of the Governor? The Governor hasn't even come out of the airport yet, but you've stopped us here. Is only the Governor a VIP? Are we nobody?" he asked.

However, Bengaluru Police said a subsequent inquiry painted a different picture.

"Regarding the viral incident, enquiry was done and it was found that the concerned person was travelling alone. We want to reiterate that in any situation during road travel priority is always given to ambulances and medical emergency cases," the police said in a statement posted on X.

The police further urged the public not to jump to conclusions based on viral social media content.

"Public is requested to verify the facts before sensationalising/spreading any issue. Appropriate legal action will be taken for spreading false news. We want to reiterate that in any situation during road travel, priority is always given to ambulances and medical emergency cases," the statement added.

The police also indicated that legal action could be initiated against those responsible for spreading false information and reiterated that emergency vehicles and genuine medical cases are always given priority during traffic management operations, including VIP movements.