Five Injured in High-Speed Bike Crash at Pune Checkpoint

Pune, October 8, 2023 - A horrific accident at a police checkpoint on the Pune-Solapur Highway early Sunday morning left five individuals, including two government officials, seriously injured. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Manjari Naka, where a static surveillance team (SST) was in operation to enforce the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

According to police reports, Kartik Dhawale, a 21-year-old third-year engineering student, was riding a high-end sports bike with fellow student Sayali Tinge as his pillion rider. The duo was part of a group heading out for an outing when Dhawale lost control of the bike at high speed. The bike skidded and crashed into a police constable, Ravindra Bartakke, and revenue department official, Naresh Gangurde, who were stationed at the checkpoint.

The impact of the crash resulted in severe injuries:

• Police Constable Ravindra Bartakke sustained fractures in both legs.
• Revenue Official Naresh Gangurde received serious injuries.
• Chetan Singh, whose car was being inspected at the checkpoint, was also injured.
• Both Kartik Dhawale and Sayali Tinge suffered injuries from the fall.

Senior Inspector Santosh Pandhare stated, "The initial probe indicates that excessive speed was a critical factor in this unfortunate incident. The biker, currently under medical care, has been charged with rash driving and causing grievous injuries."

The injured are receiving treatment at a local hospital, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the loss of control by Dhawale. This accident underscores the dangers of high-speed driving, especially in areas with increased law enforcement presence due to electoral regulations.

The community and authorities are reminded to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during these election times when additional checkpoints are set up to ensure compliance with electoral laws.