Meerut Road Rage Case: Unpacking the Truth Behind the Viral Video as Locals Speak Out

A road rage incident in Meerut, involving a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has ignited significant public outcry and political tension after a video of the confrontation went viral on social media. The disturbing footage allegedly showed the politician abusing and physically intimidating a local trader, forcing him to apologise in a humiliating manner, reportedly even making him rub his nose on the road, all in the presence of police personnel.

While the viral video led to the swift arrest and subsequent suspension of the BJP leader, Vikul Chaprana, the district vice-president of the party’s Kisan Morcha, a different narrative is emerging on the ground, as shared by some local eyewitnesses. This secondary account complicates the understanding of the initial spark that led to the public confrontation.

The Viral Narrative: Public Humiliation and Police Inaction

The initial shockwave across social media and news platforms was driven by the contents of the video. It showed the victim, identified as cloth trader Satyam Rastogi, kneeling down with folded hands, apparently seeking forgiveness from Chaprana, who is seen hurling abuses and threats. The key element that fueled public outrage was the visible presence of uniformed police officers who, according to the video, did not intervene to stop the humiliation.

The formal complaint, filed by the victim’s brother, Aditya Rastogi, alleged that the incident began on the night of October 19 over a parking dispute outside an eatery near Tejghari Square. The complaint stated that Chaprana, along with his associates, not only assaulted Satyam Rastogi and his friend but also behaved indecently and threatened them. The victim himself later spoke to reporters, claiming he had parked his car and upon returning, a dispute over moving the vehicle escalated into an attack where his car screen was broken.

Following the backlash, the police registered an FIR under relevant sections and arrested Chaprana and three of his associates. Furthermore, the BJP took disciplinary action, removing Chaprana from all party posts and suspending his primary membership, citing conduct “against party discipline.” The police also suspended an inspector and moved three other police personnel to the police lines for their alleged inaction.

Locals Present a Counter-Account

Amidst the widespread condemnation, local shopkeepers and other eyewitnesses have come forward, presenting an alternative perspective on how the altercation began.

According to several local shopkeepers who claim to have witnessed the incident, the initial instigation came not from the BJP leader, but from the trader, Satyam Rastogi. One shopkeeper, speaking anonymously, was quoted as saying that Rastogi appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. “He was drunk and could barely walk properly,” the witness claimed. “His car was parked near the BJP leader’s vehicle. He began abusing the BJP leader and threatened to ram his car into theirs if they didn’t move it. He then punched the BJP leader’s car, which led to the escalation.” Another eyewitness corroborated the claim that the argument started after Rastogi began shouting and hurling abuses at the BJP leader.

This local account does not, however, excuse the subsequent actions of the BJP leader, particularly the public display of dominance and humiliation, nor the police’s failure to maintain order. It simply attempts to provide context to the beginning of the dispute. The trader’s alleged use of abusive language, reportedly directed at a state minister who Chaprana mentioned in the video, is suggested by the locals as the spark that rapidly escalated the parking disagreement.

Conclusion and Ongoing Action

While the video clearly documents a gross misuse of power and public humiliation by the BJP leader, the accounts from local shopkeepers introduce a layer of complexity regarding the origin of the confrontation. Regardless of who initiated the verbal spat, the subsequent actions of Vikul Chaprana, forcing a man to apologise on his knees in public, and the silent compliance of the police, remain the focal point of the controversy.

The incident has resulted in both legal and political consequences. Chaprana, though granted bail, was arrested, suspended from his party, and is facing charges, while the police personnel at the scene have faced departmental action. The case continues to highlight concerns about law and order and the alleged impunity enjoyed by individuals with political connections in the state. The ongoing investigation will be crucial in piecing together the full sequence of events and ensuring that justice is served.