Police suspected over 100 people attended, including unsuspecting visitors who entered the parking levels.
Just days after Raidurgam police cracked down on illegal bike racing and stunt shows, a startling episode unfolded in Malkajgiri where a mall cellar was converted into a drifting arena reminiscent of ‘Tokyo Drift’.
The incident occurred on Bakrid evening, May 28, at Basement‑3 of AMR Planet Mall, Moula Ali, under Malkajgiri police limits. Though projected as a vintage car expo, the event turned into a full‑fledged drifting and racing show featuring modified cars and high‑performance motorcycles.
Organiser Vangala Eshwar had sought permission for a drifting night, but the police had turned it down citing safety risks. He later reapplied, describing the programme as a vintage car display of four vehicles. Permission was granted, but the event — branded “Downtown Madness” — was promoted on Instagram reels and listed as a ticketed show on a website.
Police suspected over 100 people attended, including unsuspecting visitors who entered the parking levels. Residents behind the mall alerted Dial 100 after hearing loud revving, while visitors reported drifting inside the cellar.
With officers engaged in bandobust for Bakrid, police reached the venue after emergency calls, but many participants had dispersed. A suo motu case was registered under Sections 125 BNS, IPC Section 184 and Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act against organiser Eshwar, AMR marketing manager K. Sandeep, mall manager A. Ravinder Reddy and others.
A police source confirmed an investigation is underway, adding that the role of mall management is under scrutiny as authorities will not overlook acts endangering human life.
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