‘Are we slaves or citizens?’ Mohandas Pai slams Bengaluru police after viral video of cop slapping motorist

Business leader Mohandas Pai, citizens slam Bengaluru police after viral video shows officer hitting a motorist during routine check; demand transparency in probe

A video showing a Bengaluru police officer slapping a motorist during a routine traffic check has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability from citizens and public figures.

The clip, which shows the officer hitting the man in the middle of a busy road, has raised questions about police discipline and misuse of authority.

If the law is truly the same for everyone, then what action has been taken against them? A video is virally circulating on social media showing a police officer slapping a citizen during a routine traffic check. This is absolutely unacceptable and a clear misuse of… pic.twitter.com/pp7jJAXUuu

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— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) October 15, 2025

Mohandas Pai calls incident ‘unacceptable misuse of power’

Prominent entrepreneur and chairman of Aarin Capital, Mohandas Pai, took to X (formerly Twitter) demanding immediate action from the authorities.

“Will our Bengaluru police please take action? How can police slap a citizen? Are we slaves or citizens in our city? Minister G Parameshwara please intervene. This is unacceptable. DGP Karnataka, will our CM please protect citizens as he has sworn to do?” Pai wrote.

Will our @CPBlr please take action? How can police slap a citizen? Are we slaves or citizens in our city? Minister @DrParameshwara please intervene. This is unacceptable. @DgpKarnataka will our @CMofKarnataka please protect citizens as he has sworn to do? @siddaramaiah https://t.co/vicAb7WRFQ

— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) October 16, 2025

In a follow-up post, Pai said the viral video “shows a clear misuse of power” and questioned whether “the law is truly the same for everyone.” He urged the government to ensure that officers found guilty face strict punishment.

Citizens question police accountability

The video has ignited an online debate about accountability, discipline, and transparency in the police force. Many users echoed Pai’s concerns, questioning whether internal action was sufficient.

One user commented, citing the DCP South Traffic, that “accountability and respect go hand-in-hand” and that action had been taken against the staff involved. However, others demanded proof of disciplinary measures, calling for an official order or FIR to be made public.

"Accountability and respect go hand-in-hand. Action taken against staff for misbehavior" https://t.co/Dlu3pPmhsE

— DCP SOUTH TRAFFIC (@DCPSouthTrBCP) October 15, 2025

“They’re saying the officer was suspended, but where’s the proof? Without transparency, it’s just a tactic to calm public anger,” wrote one user.

They’re saying the officer was suspended, but where’s the proof? Show the official order or FIR, not just words. Without transparency, it’s just a tactic to calm public anger. Police and politicians must stop thinking they’re above the law — they are public servants, not gods.…

— The Prime Doctor (@ThePrimeDoctor1) October 16, 2025

‘Police must follow same rules they enforce,’ say residents

Several citizens vented frustration over what they described as double standards in law enforcement.

“Traffic police stand on roads not to maintain discipline but to collect vasooli from common people. Why should citizens pay fines when roads are full of potholes and broken dividers?” one post read.

Others accused authorities of shielding errant officers. “He has been granted a paid leave in the name of ‘suspension.’ No FIR, no court action. This department is a joke,” another user wrote.

He has been granted a paid leave in the name of “suspension” . No FIR No cour nothing. This department is a joke.

— @TheUnseenTake (@theunseentake) October 16, 2025

Police say action taken, but demand for transparency grows

The Bangalore City Police and DCP South Traffic confirmed via social media that action had been taken against the officer involved, reiterating that “accountability and respect go hand-in-hand.”

However, many citizens remain unconvinced, demanding that the department release an official suspension order or FIR to prove that corrective measures are not just “cosmetic.”

As the video continues to circulate widely, the incident has reignited a broader conversation about police behavior, transparency in disciplinary processes, and the need for stronger public oversight in law enforcement.