A man blocked National Highway 66 near Kota on Monday afternoon after placing household items in the middle of the road. The unusual act triggered panic among commuters before police arrived and arrested him following a tense confrontation.
Man Blocked National Highway 66: Bizarre Traffic Obstruction Sparks Panic Near Kota
The accused, identified as Ranjith Somayaji, a resident near Bellada Ganapathi Devasthana, allegedly set up a table, a television and a music system in the middle of the busy highway. Vehicles were forced to stop as the makeshift setup sat squarely in the path of oncoming traffic.
Motorists passing through the stretch were left confused, unsure whether the obstruction was a protest, a prank, or something more serious. Several commuters reportedly slowed down to record the unusual sight, adding further to the congestion building up along the route.
Eyewitnesses said the accused appeared calm throughout the episode, sitting beside his makeshift arrangement even as vehicles queued up behind him. The strangeness of the scene meant many drivers hesitated to approach, unsure of how to react.
Highway 66 Blocked as Local Residents Alert Police
As traffic piled up, local residents in the area noticed the disruption and promptly informed the Kota police. Officers were dispatched to the spot to clear the road and assess the situation, unaware at the time of how the encounter would eventually unfold.
The obstruction reportedly persisted for a considerable stretch of time before officers reached the location, leaving several commuters stranded and forcing some vehicles to attempt risky detours around the blocked section of the highway.
When police personnel arrived, the situation escalated quickly. According to police, the accused allegedly brandished a sword and attempted to attack the responding officers. Despite the sudden threat, the police team managed to overpower him without any serious injury and swiftly brought the situation under control.
Accused Taken Into Custody, Case Registered
Following his arrest, Ranjith was shifted to the police station for further questioning. Officers began a preliminary investigation to determine what prompted the unusual and potentially dangerous act on a major highway.
During questioning, police suspected that his behaviour could be linked to a mental health condition, given the erratic and unprovoked nature of the incident. However, officials clarified that no medical records or documentation have been found so far to confirm any history of psychiatric treatment.
“Since no such proof is available at this stage, we have registered a case and are continuing the investigation,” a police officer said, indicating that authorities are treating the matter with due caution while the probe proceeds.
Video of Incident Goes Viral
A video capturing the accused seated beside the table, television and music system on the highway has since gone viral on social media. The clip has drawn widespread attention, with many users expressing surprise and concern over the unusual public display.
The viral footage has also fuelled online discussions about highway safety enforcement and the need for quicker response mechanisms when unexpected obstructions appear on busy national routes. Several social media users questioned how such an elaborate setup could be arranged on a highway without earlier detection.
Police have reiterated that investigation into the incident remains active, and further updates are expected as officers examine the accused’s background, intent and mental state in the coming days.
Conclusion
The episode has raised fresh questions about highway safety and rapid-response protocols along busy stretches like NH 66. As police continue their investigation into Ranjith Somayaji’s background and motive, the case has become a widely discussed talking point on social media, with the viral video keeping public attention firmly fixed on the unusual episode near Kota.
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