Pune NIBM Road Accident: Driver Arrested, No Drunk Driving Involved

Kondhwa, 17th March 2025: The car driver accused in Pune’s NIBM Road accident, which went viral earlier, has been arrested by Pune Police. Officials clarified that the driver of the Kia Seltos, initially suspected of being intoxicated, was not under the influence of alcohol. He was apprehended a few hours ago by officers from the Kondhwa Traffic Division and Kondhwa Police Station.

The driver, identified as Kshitij Rakesh Mangala (30), a resident of Mohammadwadi, claims he lost control while trying to dodge a pothole. The delivery rider, Sohail Shafique Shaikh (33), a resident of Kondhwa, whose scooter was destroyed in the crash, has lodged a complaint at Kondhwa Police Station. A case has been registered against Mangala under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 for rash driving.

Earlier today, reports surfaced of a pre-dawn accident in which a speeding car crashed into a divider before colliding with a parked two-wheeler. The impact completely destroyed the scooter and all delivery items, after which the driver fled the scene. The delivery rider, who had briefly stepped away, was left devastated as his sole means of livelihood was reduced to rubble within moments.

Eyewitnesses stated that the car was swerving dangerously before the crash. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Social media influencer Rahil Mohammed highlighted the incident on Twitter, stating, “With such cases increasing in Pune, residents are urging the Pune Police to take strict action against drunk driving to enhance road safety.” He also shared videos of the accident.

Senior Police Inspector Vinay Patankar, in charge of Kondhwa Police Station, said, “The accident occurred on NIBM Road at around 4 AM today. We have arrested the accused and registered a case. The driver claims he was trying to dodge a manhole. We are further investigating the matter.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Rajkumar Shinde told Punekar News, “The accident involved reckless driving by the car driver. However, reports have confirmed that he was not drunk but lost control of the vehicle. Kondhwa Police have arrested him, and a case has been registered for reckless driving. The driver claims he was trying to avoid a manhole near the spot, which led to the crash.”