In a major legal development, the Court denies bail in Karol Bagh road rage death case, where Dhruv Sharma stands accused of attacking and killing an elderly man during a road rage incident. The event took place in Karol Bagh, Delhi, on October 15, 2023, and shocked residents across the city.
According to court records, Sharma pulled 66-year-old Praveen Gulati out of his car after a minor collision and hit him repeatedly on the chest and face. The violent assault led to Gulati’s death soon after. The court, led by Additional Sessions Judge Shilpi Jain, observed that the victim’s pre-existing heart condition made the attack even more dangerous.
Judge Jain noted that police had not yet added the proper criminal charges in the First Information Report (FIR). Because of this, and the seriousness of the offense, the court denied Sharma’s bail plea. The altercation began when both cars stopped at a traffic light near Paharganj, where a small bump between vehicles turned into a deadly confrontation.
As witnesses explained, Sharma chased Gulati to Pusa Road, where he forcibly pulled him out of his vehicle and continued to beat him. Despite warnings from Gulati’s driver about the victim’s heart condition, Sharma refused to stop. The driver begged for mercy, but the attack continued until Gulati collapsed. Sharma then fled the scene, leaving the elderly man severely injured.
Bystanders rushed Gulati to Ganga Ram Hospital, but doctors could not save him. The tragic death highlighted how uncontrolled anger can turn minor road disputes into fatal acts of violence.
During the bail hearing, Sharma’s lawyer, DK Sharma, argued that the altercation was minor. And that his client was wrongly accused of serious charges like culpable homicide. He also said Sharma was unaware of the victim’s health condition. However, the victim’s family lawyer, Rakesh Malhotra, opposed bail, emphasizing the cruelty of the attack.
In her order, Judge Jain stated, “The accused continued beating the deceased even after being informed by the driver that he was a heart patient.” She also mentioned that the post-mortem report is pending, which could lead to even stricter charges.
The court also raised concerns that Sharma might tamper with evidence or threaten witnesses if released. Considering these risks, the judge decided that keeping him in custody was necessary for a fair investigation.
The case reflects the alarming rise in road rage across India. A National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report revealed that Delhi reports one road rage case every 24 hours. Between 2020 and 2021, road rage-related violence in Punjab rose by 15%. While Chandigarh saw a 10% drop in road deaths, showing mixed regional trends in safety.
Experts believe that better traffic education, stronger laws, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce such violent incidents. Many suggest that stress management and driver training should be part of license renewal programs to promote calm and safe driving habits.
This tragic case also reminds people of the emotional and legal costs of losing control on the road. A single moment of anger can destroy multiple lives.
In conclusion, the Court denies bail in Karol Bagh road rage death case, reinforcing the judiciary’s stand against road violence. This decision serves as a warning to all drivers that aggression and rage behind the wheel have no place on India’s roads.
