Police Constable Killed in Hit-and-Run on Mumbai-Pune Highway During Checkpoint Operation in Talegaon

Vadgaon Maval, 14th May 2025: A Police Constable on duty was killed late Tuesday night at Chakan Phata, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk, along the busy Mumbai-Pune Highway, when a speeding truck ran him over during a police checkpoint operation. The deceased officer has been identified as Mithun Dhende, 41, a resident of Uruli Kanchan, Pune, who was known as a friendly and dedicated member of the Vadgaon Maval Police Station.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 9:15 pm when officers were conducting a blockade after receiving a tip-off via the 112 emergency number about a truck being driven recklessly on the highway. As the HR 74 B 3677 truck approached, constable Mithun Dhende and others stopped the vehicle and switched off its engine. However, when Dhende signaled to place a barricade, the truck driver abruptly restarted the engine and sped away towards Chakan, running over Dhende, who was standing in front of the vehicle.

Dhende suffered severe injuries after the truck’s wheels passed over his abdomen. He was rushed to Pawana Hospital in Somatane, where doctors declared him dead before treatment could begin. The truck driver subsequently abandoned the vehicle at a parking lot in Chakan MIDC and fled the scene with an accomplice. Pune Rural Police immediately set up additional checkpoints and launched a search for the absconding suspects.

Upon learning of the incident, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh and other senior officers visited both the accident site and the hospital to gather further details. Dhende’s body was sent to Talegaon Dabhade Primary Health Center for post-mortem at 2 am. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and brother. The loss is especially poignant as 14th May marked what would have been Dhende’s birthday, with colleagues and the local community expressing deep sorrow over his untimely death.

Police have seized the truck involved in the incident and are intensifying efforts to apprehend the driver and his associate.