Pune: 7-Year-Old Girl Dies in Chakan-Shikrapur Container Truck Accident; Medical Reports Confirm Driver Was Not Drunk

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Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Chakan, 23rd January 2025: In a tragic update to the Chakan-Shikrapur Container Truck Case that occurred on 16th January, around 8 days ago, the 7-year-old girl who was injured along with two other women has succumbed to her injuries. Contrary to initial assumptions, medical tests have revealed that the driver was completely sober, not drunk as previously suspected. As a result of this development, a case of culpable homicide will now be registered against the driver. The accused, Aquib Khan, a 24-year-old resident of Haryana, claims he was unaware of hitting the two-wheeler and continued driving due to panic from being chased by citizens.

The deceased has been identified as Dhanashree Ambadas Gadhave, a 7-year-old resident of Rase, Khed Tehsil. Chakan Police had detained Aquib Khan, and a case was initially registered against him for rash driving. Now, due to Dhanashree’s death, a culpable homicide charge will be added. Dhanashree’s mother, Pournima, and her friend Jyoti Dhole were also injured in the incident.

The incident unfolded on 16th January around 12:30 PM, at Manik Chowk in Chakan, when a container truck hit a two-wheeler carrying a woman, her daughter, and another woman. The truck’s rear wheel ran over the girl’s leg, severely injuring her. After the initial collision, the driver continued without stopping, leading to a chase that lasted for over 28 kilometres. During the pursuit, the truck collided with over 10 vehicles, causing widespread panic and damage.

The police made multiple attempts to stop the truck but were unsuccessful until it reached Wajewadi, under the jurisdiction of Shikrapur Police Station of Pune Rural Police Force. At Wajewadi, a dumper was used to finally intercept the rogue container truck. During the chase, Assistant Police Inspector Nakul Nyamne experienced a close call, narrowly escaping serious injury by jumping from a police vehicle just in time. However, a Traffic Warden was injured as he couldn’t get out in time.

After the truck was stopped, a crowd of nearly 150 people surrounded the driver and severely beat him. Khan was transferred to Sassoon General Hospital for medical tests and treatment. He was later discharged and taken into custody by Chakan Police Station. Tragically, after fighting for her life for 8 days, young Dhanashree lost her battle with her injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Dr Shivaji Pawar stated, “The girl has succumbed to her injuries. They were serious, and today she passed away. She was shifted to Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital & Research Centre in Pimpri, where she died. Additional sections will be added due to the girl’s death. The preliminary report of the driver indicates that he wasn’t drunk. However, the blood test report is still pending, and a follow-up on that will be conducted soon.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Chakan Division) Rajendra Singh Gaur told Punekar News, “The girl has lost her life earlier today. The medical test of the driver claims he was not drunk. A culpable homicide case will be added to this FIR. The driver is in our custody and the investigation is ongoing.”

Senior Police Inspector Pramod Wagh, in charge of Chakan Police Station, provided additional details, stating, “Two cases have been registered against accused Khan, one for damaging government property and one for rash driving. New sections will be added now that the girl is dead. The other two women are stable, as is the traffic warden. The accused is currently in our custody. A total of 9 vehicles, including a police vehicle, are confirmed damaged.”

Driver Denies Realizing Bike Collision In Chakan Case

Sources told Punekar News that the driver was driving the container truck neatly, except when there were no escape routes. In his statement, the driver claims he didn’t realize he had hit the bike in Manik Chowk. He stated that all he saw was residents and policemen chasing him, which caused him to panic and continue driving. The medical tests showing him not being drunk further support this claim. Even after the container truck was stopped due to the dumper being used for interception, the driver attempted to run away but was caught by the crowd and severely beaten.