Pune: Lawyer Defends Gautami Patil, Says She Stayed Away Due to Protests Outside Police Station

Narhe, 7th October 2025: A week after dancer Gautami Patil’s car allegedly hit a rickshaw driver in Vadgaon Budruk, her lawyer has come forward defending her silence and absence from public view following the incident.

The lawyer, Hemant Bhandpatil, claimed that Patil did not appear before the media or visit the victim because of ongoing protests outside the police station and attempts to malign her image.

The accident took place on September 30, when a car linked to Gautami Patil reportedly collided with a rickshaw, injuring the driver. The car driver fled the spot after the incident. The Sinhagad Road Police later arrested the accused driver, who was subsequently released on bail on Monday.

Following the accident, Patil faced widespread criticism for allegedly not offering help to the injured rickshaw driver. Responding to the backlash, her lawyer clarified that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol and that Patil was not in Pune at the time of the mishap.

“When Gautami Patil came to know about the incident, she immediately sent her brother to the hospital and offered financial help to the victim’s family. However, they refused the assistance,” said advocate Bhandpatil.

He added that Patil’s team has been cooperating with the police investigation. “We are ready to follow all legal procedures and comply with any direction given by the court, including financial assistance if ordered,” Bhandpatil stated.

The lawyer also cautioned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to defame Gautami Patil on social media or otherwise. “She did not come forward publicly because of the agitation and protests that were taking place outside the police station. Gautami Patil has always shown social commitment and will continue to do so,” he added.

The Sinhagad Police are continuing their probe into the accident.