High-Speed Bike Crash Injures Five at Election Checkpoint

Pune, October 8, 2023 – A tragic accident occurred early Sunday morning when a speeding sports bike crashed into a static surveillance team (SST) checkpoint on the Pune-Solapur Highway at Manjari Naka, leaving five individuals, including two government officials, seriously injured.

The incident unfolded around 5 am when Kartik Dhawale, a 21-year-old third-year engineering student, lost control of his high-end sports bike while traveling at high speed. Accompanying him was Sayali Tinge, also an engineering student. Their bike skidded, striking police constable Ravindra Bartakke, revenue department official Naresh Gangurde, and Chetan Singh, whose car was undergoing a check at the time.

According to Senior Inspector Santosh Pandhare, the bike turned on its side and skidded, causing severe injuries to both students and the bystanders. "Constable Bartakke has suffered fractures in both legs," he confirmed. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where they are receiving treatment.

The checkpoint was part of the enforcement measures under the Model Code of Conduct due to the upcoming Assembly elections, aimed at monitoring vehicle movements and ensuring compliance with election rules.

Dhawale, who remains under medical care, has been charged with rash driving and causing injuries. The investigation into the accident continues, with authorities urging all motorists to adhere to speed limits and ensure road safety, especially during election times when such checkpoints are common.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by excessive speed and the need for vigilance at all times on the roads. The community and local authorities have expressed their concern and are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.