Mumbai: Cabbie Drives With Rival On Bonnet For Kilometres After Scuffle Near Airport; Vehicle Seized

Mumbai: A scuffle between two cab drivers near Mumbai’s domestic airport turned violent early Wednesday morning, resulting in a dramatic and dangerous incident that has gone viral on social media.

The Airport Police detained 34-year-old cab driver Bhimprasad Mahanto, who allegedly drove several kilometers on the Western Express Highway (WEH) with rival cabbie Justin J (34) clinging to the bonnet of his car. The shocking event unfolded after a heated argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation outside the Vile Parle domestic terminal.

According to police, the incident began when Justin pushed Mahanto during the confrontation. As tensions rose and Mahanto attempted to flee, Justin jumped onto the bonnet of Mahanto’s car in an effort to stop him. Undeterred, Mahanto reportedly sped off, dragging Justin along the WEH.

The entire incident was captured on video by a passerby, who later reported it to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO shared the footage with local authorities, prompting immediate action. In the now-viral video, Justin can be seen clinging to the car as it speeds down the highway. At one point, he is also seen speaking to someone on a two-wheeler who was filming the incident.

An officer from the Airport Police Station said, “The argument between the two drivers began over a minor issue but escalated quickly when Justin pushed Mahanto. When other drivers, friends of Justin, arrived at the scene, Mahanto tried to escape. Justin jumped on the bonnet, but instead of stopping, Mahanto kept driving.”

Justin later filed a formal complaint. Based on the viral video and his statement, police registered a case against Mahanto under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

Section 115(2) – Causing hurt

Section 125 – Acts endangering life or personal safety

Section 126(2) – Wrongful restraint

Section 281 – Rash driving

Section 352 – Intentional insult

He has also been charged under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving.

The accused has been detained, served a legal notice, and his vehicle has been seized. Investigations are currently underway.