Parking dispute: Cab drivers assaulted near KIA; one arrested

Bengaluru: A violent clash over car parking near the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Sunday night left two private taxi drivers injured and their vehicles damaged.

The altercation occurred around 9.30 pm near a tea shop in Shettigere, when a man in a white Hyundai i20 allegedly began honking aggressively at the way their cab was parked.

According to the complaint, a verbal spat quickly escalated, with one of the attackers using an iron rod to smash the taxi's windows and assault the driver, Janardhan, causing a serious head injury. Another driver, Basavaraj KS, who was also assaulted, reported the theft of his gold chain and Bluetooth headset.

Though initial police response drew criticism from local drivers’ associations for inaction, the Chikkajala police later registered an FIR and arrested the prime suspect — 35-year-old Devegowda — who was identified by witnesses. The suspect’s vehicle was also seized.

Authorities confirmed efforts are ongoing to locate another suspect involved in the attack.