Two killed in Bengaluru hit-and-run near Devanahalli; drunk driver arrested after chase
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two motorcycle riders were killed on the spot near Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru after a speeding Toyota Fortuner SUV rammed into their bike late Sunday night, 9 November 2026, with the accused driver — allegedly drunk — apprehended on Monday following a high-speed chase by police. A video of the police pursuit has since circulated widely on social media.
Who the Victims Were
The deceased have been identified as Mithun and Kanaka, both residents of Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district. The two were engaged in supplying eggs and chicken to dhabas along national highways and were travelling together on a motorcycle when the collision occurred.
How the Accident Unfolded
According to police, the accident took place within the limits of Vijayapura police station when the Fortuner, travelling from behind at high speed, struck the motorcycle, killing both riders instantly. The impact was severe enough to shear off the vehicle's registration plate, which fell at the accident spot — a critical piece of evidence that allowed investigators to quickly identify and trace the SUV.
The Dramatic Police Chase
After receiving information about the collision, police located the SUV and attempted to stop it. The driver allegedly ignored repeated warnings issued over a police loudspeaker and continued at dangerous speeds. Officers enlisted the help of other motorists to block the vehicle from the front, rear, and right side, but the driver reportedly manoeuvred recklessly through traffic and headed toward Chikkaballapur, allegedly attempting to flee into Telangana. During the pursuit, the accused allegedly attempted to ram the police vehicle. Police eventually succeeded in immobilising the SUV with assistance from other road users and detained the driver.
Who the Accused Is
The Toyota Fortuner reportedly belongs to a real estate industrialist from Andhra Pradesh. The driver, a native of Maharashtra, had taken the vehicle and was allegedly operating it at the time of the crash. Police found him to be in an inebriated condition at the time of arrest. The accused has reportedly admitted to fleeing the scene out of fear after the collision. The seized vehicle has been handed over to Chikkaballapura Traffic Police Station for further investigation, and the examination of the accused's statements is ongoing.
What Happens Next
Authorities are continuing to probe the circumstances of the crash, including the accused's association with the vehicle's registered owner. The case highlights persistent concerns about drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents on the highway stretches surrounding Bengaluru — a corridor that has recorded multiple fatal accidents in recent years. Charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act are expected to be formally filed.