Pune: In a late-night incident on Friday (January 17), a pickup van carrying illicit liquor and an accompanying Alto car rammed into State Excise Department officials, injuring one of them, before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM at the Maruti Temple junction in Bavdi village, Wagholi.

Secondary Inspectors Vishal Kumar Kadam and Anil Yadav from the State Excise Department were on patrol in the Chandan Nagar area when they received a tip-off about a pickup van transporting illicit liquor. Acting swiftly, they positioned themselves at the junction to intercept the vehicle.

When the van approached, the inspectors blocked the road with their bike and attempted to stop it. However, a Maruti Suzuki Alto car, driven by Jivan Sathe and following the van as protection, rammed into their bike, causing the inspectors to fall. Taking advantage of the confusion, both the pickup van and the car fled into the darkness.

Anil Yadav sustained injuries to his hand during the incident, while Vishal Kadam escaped unhurt. Following the incident, Vishal Kadam filed a complaint at Wagholi Police Station, naming Jivan Sathe and his accomplices.

The police have registered a case against them for obstructing government work and are investigating further under the supervision of Sub-Inspector Vaijnath Kedar.

The police stated that the pickup van was carrying cans of illicit liquor. Efforts are underway to trace both the van and the car, as well as the individuals involved in the incident.