Pune: FIR Against Woman Driver in Aundh, Residents Want PMC Booked for Homicide

Aundh, 5th August 2025: The Pune police’s decision to register a case of death due to negligence against a woman driver involved in a fatal accident on Nagras Road, Aundh, has triggered sharp criticism from local residents. The incident, which occurred on July 30, claimed the life of 73-year-old Jagannath Kale, who lost balance on his scooter after encountering an uneven patch of road and was subsequently run over by a passing car.

The accident was caught on CCTV and the footage quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing public attention. Based on the video evidence, the Chatushrungi police registered an FIR against the woman driver, citing failure to maintain a safe distance as the cause of the accident.

“The driver did not maintain the legally required distance from the two-wheeler, which led to the collision and the unfortunate death,” said Senior Inspector Uttam Bhajnawale from Chatushrungi police station.

However, residents and traffic observers who reviewed the footage argued that the car was neither speeding nor tailgating Kale’s scooter. The two vehicles appeared to be moving parallel, and Kale’s fall seemed to be triggered by poor road conditions rather than driver error.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged this, saying, “We are considering all aspects, including road conditions and the position of the vehicles, in our investigation.”

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar also weighed in, stating:
“I have sought a detailed report from the local police. If any corrective action is needed, it will be taken accordingly.”

Despite these assurances, local residents are demanding that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) be held accountable for negligence in road maintenance. They allege that a visible gap between the road and the pavement was the primary cause of Kale’s fall.

“It’s shocking that the woman is being blamed when the real fault lies with the civic body. Kale’s scooter skidded due to a dangerous road edge. This is a case of civic failure, not reckless driving,” said a long-time resident of Aundh.

“PMC should be booked for culpable homicide,” he added.

Another resident echoed this sentiment. “From the footage, it’s clear the woman’s car was in the adjacent lane and not directly behind the scooter. Kale fell to the right, and that’s how he came under the car. The accident wouldn’t have happened if the road had been properly maintained,” he said.

Initially, police had filed an accidental death report. However, constable Santoshkumar Chavan later lodged a formal complaint against the driver, accusing her of negligent driving and not prioritizing the safety of others on the road. Police have now issued a notice to the woman, asking her to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

“She was on her way home after picking up her children from school. Regardless of the circumstances, she should have maintained extra caution,” said Inspector Bhajnawale.

Residents are now calling for urgent road repairs and demanding the PMC take responsibility for dangerous infrastructure that continues to put citizens’ lives at risk.