Pune: Timely Action by RTO Patrol Saves Life of Injured Pedestrian on Mumbai-Pune Highway
Pune, 31st May 2025: A near-tragic accident on the Mumbai-Pune National Highway No. 48 was averted late at night thanks to the swift and compassionate action by officials of the RTO’s ‘Vayuveg Patrol Team 4’. A pedestrian who was critically injured after being hit by a speeding truck was saved by the timely response of the transport department officers on night patrol duty.
The incident occurred at Kane Phata around 12:15 a.m. on May 11. The victim, 29-year-old Akshay Shankar Tikone from Patan, Lonavala, was trying to cross the highway when a truck traveling toward Mumbai struck him with such force that he was left unconscious and severely injured, bleeding from his head, ears, and nose. The truck driver fled the scene.
Fortunately, Inspector Rahima Hamzekhan Mulla, who leads Vayuveg Patrol Team 4, along with Assistant Inspector Dattatray Shinde and driver Sharad Jagtap, were patrolling the highway as part of a special night inspection campaign launched in May 2025 under the direction of the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner to reduce road accidents.
Upon witnessing the injured pedestrian lying on the road, the team responded without delay. Inspector Mulla immediately called for an ambulance, which arrived within five minutes. Akshay was rushed to Mahavir Hospital in Kamshet, where he received emergency care during the crucial “golden hour”, potentially saving his life.
In addition to arranging medical help, the team also ensured traffic clearance by moving the damaged vehicle off the road and informing Vadgaon Maval Police Station, handing over the truck for further investigation.
Surviving the Clutches of Death
After initial treatment at Mahavir Hospital, Akshay regained consciousness. Due to the severity of his injuries—including trauma to the head, ribs, limbs, and internal bleeding—he was later shifted to Haranshwar Hospital in Talegaon Dabhade on May 14 for multiple surgeries.
On May 22, Vayuveg officers visited the hospital and were relieved to see Akshay talking to his doctors and parents. Hospital authorities confirmed the success of the surgeries and stated that Akshay’s condition is now stable and improving.
“The Golden Hour Saved His Life”
“We are deeply satisfied that our swift action helped save a life. Thanks to timely treatment during the golden hour, the young man survived. His family and the doctors expressed their gratitude, which means a lot to us,” said Inspector Rahima Mulla, Motor Vehicle Inspector, RTO Pune.
“Handling the accident scene, controlling traffic, and then personally checking on the patient and reporting to our seniors—this is what duty demands in such situations,” added Assistant Inspector Dattatray Shinde.
A Moving Example of Duty and Humanity
Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad praised the team, stating, “This is more than a case of accident response—it is a shining example of how dedication, quick thinking, and humanity can save a life even in the dead of night. Our officers’ efforts brought hope back to a family that almost lost everything.”
