On the night before his birthday, a Pune traffic police officer was stationed at a nakabandi point, conducting routine checks to ensure road safety and compliance. As part of the operation, the officer signaled a truck to stop and instructed the driver to switch off the engine. The driver complied initially, but moments later, in a shocking turn of events, he restarted the engine and accelerated, running over the policeman.
Eyewitnesses reported that the officer had no chance to move out of the way. The impact was severe, and despite immediate efforts by colleagues and bystanders to rush him to the hospital, the officer succumbed to his injuries.
The truck driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by the police after a brief chase. He now faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty. The police are also investigating whether the act was intentional or the result of panic.
The tragic death has sparked widespread grief and outrage among the law enforcement community and the public. Many have taken to social media to express condolences and demand stricter penalties for those endangering the lives of police officers during traffic enforcement.
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, there have been multiple reports of violence and aggression against traffic police in Maharashtra. Protests by truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators against new hit-and-run laws have, at times, turned confrontational, with officers facing threats and even physical attacks while performing their duties. The increasing frequency of such incidents underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and support for law enforcement personnel on the roads.
The victim’s family, friends, and colleagues are left devastated, especially as the tragedy struck just hours before his birthday. The loss of a dedicated officer in the line of duty serves as a sobering reminder of the daily risks faced by those tasked with maintaining public safety.
