In response to a viral video depicting a group attack on two men and a woman, allegedly related to public smoking, the DJ Halli police in Bengaluru initiated a suo motu case against unidentified individuals following a late-night incident in Kanaka Nagar on Monday.

Initial reports indicate that the event took place on Sunday night when the three individuals were smoking outside a café. A group of seven to eight local youths reportedly confronted them about their smoking, which led to a verbal dispute.

The police reported that the disagreement rapidly intensified, with the group pursuing the victims onto the street and physically assaulting them, causing alarm in the vicinity. Sources mentioned that the assault appeared to be unprovoked, aside from the initial dispute.

During the altercation, the assailants also reportedly damaged the victims’ mobile phones. Footage from nearby CCTV captured the confrontation and the subsequent physical attack. According to police sources, the woman with the victims was also allegedly slapped, although her injuries were not severe.

A resident recorded the incident through CCTV, and the resulting video circulated widely on social media, prompting police action even in the absence of a formal complaint from the victims.

On social media, some users seemed to defend the attack, labeling it as “moral policing” regarding public smoking, while law enforcement classified the event as an act of violence.

Based on the gathered footage, the DJ Halli police have commenced efforts to identify the individuals involved. Officers stated they are reviewing CCTV evidence and other materials to clarify the sequence of events and locate the suspects. An ongoing investigation is in progress.

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