Pune: Pickup Van Driver Arrested for Dragging Traffic Warden on Bonnet for 500 Metres
Pimpri Chinchwad, 15th February 2025: A 21-year-old pickup van driver was arrested by Bhosari MIDC police on Thursday after he jumped a red signal and drove nearly 500 metres with a traffic warden clinging to the bonnet of his vehicle.
The dramatic incident took place at Panjarpol Chowk around 5 pm when traffic warden Waghmabar Kamble (28) attempted to stop the driver, identified as Ayam Patel of Dhavade Vasti, for violating the traffic signal. Instead of halting, Patel accelerated, forcing Kamble to jump onto the bonnet to avoid being run over.
“Kamble tried to stop him after noticing the red signal violation, but Patel ignored the instructions and kept driving. When Kamble stood in front of the vehicle, Patel deliberately sped up, putting his life in danger,” said Assistant Police Inspector Maheshkumar Chitampalle of Bhosari MIDC police station.
Patel has been booked under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the police, Kamble, who was assisting the Pimpri-Chinchwad traffic police at the junction, clung to the bonnet as Patel continued to drive recklessly. “He was screaming and pleading for Patel to stop, but the driver showed no signs of slowing down,” Chitampalle added.
A traffic police officer on duty at the intersection witnessed the incident and immediately pursued the pickup van. “After driving for almost 500 metres, Patel finally stopped when the officer blocked his way,” Chitampalle said.
Kamble sustained a fractured right hand and injuries to his right leg during the ordeal. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Patel was taken into custody on the spot.
The police have urged motorists to follow traffic rules and warned of strict action against reckless driving.
