Pune: In a tragic incident near Forest Park in Lohegaon, an intoxicated ambulance driver struck and killed a pedestrian. The airport police have arrested the driver involved in the accident.

The victim, identified as 48-year-old Surendrasinh Shailendrasinh Kumpavat from Chandan Nagar, Kharadi, was crossing the road when the incident occurred. His younger brother, Mahendrasinh, has lodged a complaint at the airport police station, leading to the arrest of the 26-year-old driver, Sanjay Channappa Mullooli from Wadebolhai, Haveli.

The accident happened on Saturday evening around 7:45 PM. Surendrasinh was crossing the road near Forest Park when he was hit by an animal ambulance driven by Mullooli.

The impact left Surendrasinh critically injured, and he later succumbed to his injuries. Upon investigation, Police Inspector (Crime) Sarjerao Kumbhar confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested at midnight following the incident.

This incident follows a recent fatality in Bopodi, where a police officer was killed by a speeding car driven by an intoxicated driver. The frequency of such accidents raises serious concerns about drunk driving in the area.

In the past one and a half months, actions have been taken against 1,684 drunk drivers, leading to the collection of ₹12 crore in fines and the suspension of their driving licenses for three months.

In response to the increasing number of accidents in Pune, the police have proposed to the court that driving licenses be revoked immediately for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

Currently, first-time offenders caught driving under the influence face a fine of ₹10,000, while repeat offenders face a ₹20,000 fine and possible imprisonment.