Miscarriage Reported After Road Rage Incident in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Tashkent Main Department of Internal Affairs has commented on an incident involving the drivers of a Gentra and a BYD, a video of which circulated on social media the previous day.

The conflict took place on Mukimi Street in the Yakkasaray district of the capital. According to the investigation, the Gentra driver was traveling with his pregnant wife when a dispute broke out with the BYD driver.

The Gentra owner stated that he was driving in the right lane and attempted to switch to the left, signaling his turn. At that moment, the BYD approached from behind, honking and creating a tense situation. The woman in the car began to feel unwell, prompting the Gentra driver to slow down, after which the BYD once again pressed him from behind. The BYD driver then blocked the road, and together with his father got out of the car, smashed the Gentra’s windows, and beat the driver, despite his pleas to consider the condition of his pregnant wife.

The press service of the Interior Department reported that the attackers grossly violated traffic rules, deliberately caused a roadblock, damaged the vehicle, used physical force, and shouted obscenities.

The BYD driver admitted guilt and said the altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding: “When exiting Mukimi Street, he slightly cut me off. It was a miscommunication. I did not know there was a woman in the car. I apologize to the woman, her family, and the entire people of Uzbekistan. I regret what I did.”

According to the authorities, the Gentra driver’s wife suffered the most. As a result of the incident, she miscarried. Her husband noted that she also sustained other injuries and was in serious distress: “This was a traumatic situation for our whole family. I ask that lawful measures be taken.”

A criminal case has been opened against the BYD driver and his father under Part 2(b) of Article 277 of the Uzbek Criminal Code (hooliganism committed by a group). The article carries penalties of 300 to 360 hours of compulsory community service, restriction of liberty for one to three years, or imprisonment for up to three years.

A forensic medical examination has been ordered to determine the cause of the miscarriage. Depending on its results, the actions of the suspects will be subject to further legal assessment, the Interior Department reported.