Man Detained in Bandra Road Rage Case Claims Fitness Trainer Initiated Assault
One of three men detained following a viral road-rage confrontation near Bandra Talao has publicly denied initiating the violence, claiming that fitness trainer Arjunjit Garewal assaulted him first during the late-night incident on August 9 in Bandra.
Bilal Shaikh, who was seen in viral social media footage allegedly abusing and charging towards Garewal, released an Instagram video sharing his version of events. Shaikh claimed the confrontation began after Garewal allegedly overtook his vehicle, scratched it, and drove away.
According to Shaikh, he chased Garewal to demand compensation for the damage. He alleged that Garewal then rammed his vehicle three times, leaving dents on his car and causing him physical injuries.
Shaikh further alleged that when both vehicles stopped, Garewal stepped out carrying what appeared to be a bamboo stick or rod. Shaikh claimed Garewal initiated the physical attack and that his own aggressive reaction stemmed from panic after his vehicle was rammed.
Displaying bruises on his hand, Shaikh maintained that he did not intend to assault Garewal but was only trying to stop him and seek compensation for the damage allegedly caused to his vehicle.
The altercation occurred around 12.15 am on August 9 near Bandra Talao, a short distance from the Bandra police station and the DCP office. Viral footage showed Garewal and his wife caught in a confrontation with several men travelling in a Mahindra XUV700, while Garewal's red Mahindra Thar sustained damage.
Garewal had previously alleged that the occupants of the XUV700 repeatedly cut him off, chased his vehicle, and rammed it. He claimed one man tried to attack him with a baseball bat while another used a hockey stick to damage his car.
Following the incident, Bandra police registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged assault and criminal intimidation. Officers detained three men—25-year-old Anas K, 30-year-old Bilal Khan, and Rajen—before releasing them after serving notices.
