Motorists ignore pleas for help as man dies of heart attack on road

A 34-year-old man died of a heart attack in front of his wife after motorists allegedly failed to stop and help him following a road accident in the early hours of December 14, sparking public outrage after CCTV footage of the incident went viral.
The deceased, Venkataraman, was a resident of the Banashankari area of Bengaluru. He lived with his wife Rupa. According to sources, Venkataraman complained of severe chest pain at his residence around 3.30 a.m. Following this, Rupa took him on a two-wheeler to a private hospital near Janatha Bazaar in Katriguppe. As no doctor was available there at the time, the couple proceeded to another private hospital nearby.
At the second hospital, an ECG was taken and doctors informed the couple that Venkataraman had suffered a mild heart attack. However, they advised him to seek immediate specialised treatment at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. As an ambulance was not available immediately, the couple decided to travel to Jayadeva Hospital on the two-wheeler.
While travelling near the Sudhirenahalli bridge, Venkataraman suffered a second heart attack. He lost control of the bike and crashed into a scooter parked on the roadside. He was dragged along with the motorcycle for nearly 110 metres. Rupa was thrown off the bike after hitting a road divider.
Despite the shock, Rupa rushed to her husband and desperately signalled passing motorists for help. However, several vehicles reportedly passed by without stopping. Left with no option, she contacted her sister-in-law, Venkataraman’s sister, who rushed to the spot and attempted first aid, including chest compressions.
After a prolonged delay, a motorist finally stopped and took Venkataraman, Rupa and his sister to a heart hospital. Doctors there declared Venkataraman dead on arrival. CCTV footage showing Rupa pleading with motorists while her husband struggled for life in the middle of the road has gone viral on social media. The visuals have triggered widespread anger, with many questioning public apathy and the lack of timely emergency assistance that could have saved a life.