Rash driver damages vehicles, properties

Mysore: It was a narrow escape for early-morning commuters on Bangalore-Nilgiri Road. A speeding four-wheeler, driven by a medical student, came in the wrong direction and damaged vehicles and properties on Sunday around 6.30 am. No casualties were reported, though.
Police said the damage could have been major if the car hadn't stopped after hitting an electricity pole near the Arch gate opposite KSRTC suburban bus stand.An auto driver, who was waiting for a customer near a commercial complex, was injured. Eight vehicles, including four autos and two cars, were damaged. Luckily, no drivers/passengers were in the vehicles at the time.
Mani Bharathi, a student with JSS Medical College, who was steering the vehicle at speed, first hit a divider barrier on B-N Road near Wesley Cathedral and entered the road through the wrong direction. Later, he went on smashing vehicles before halting at the arch gate.
Police said Mani's father Dr Maywan and mother Shanthi, residents of Tamil Nadu, came to the city to meet their son, who is studying in final year. They booked a room in a hotel on Sri Harsha Road on Saturday and stayed overnight there along with Mani. However on Sunday morning, Mani took the vehicle from the hotel and entered B-N Road when the tragedy happened.
Following the incident, the passers-by rushed to the spot and began thrashing Mani. His parents who got the information arrived at the spot and appealed the public not to beat him up claiming that he is psychologically disturbed.
Sources claimed that Mani's parents arrived in Mysore after complaints from his friends about their son. Damaged vehicle owners demanded compensation from Mani's parents, according to the police.
Police have booked Mani for rash and negligent driving under IMV Act. Shambulingappa, the auto driver, was treated as outpatient at a hospital.