High-Speed Bike Crash Injures Five, Including Police and Revenue Officials at Election Checkpoint

Pune, October 15, 2023 – A high-speed sports bike crash at a static surveillance checkpoint on the Pune-Solapur Highway resulted in serious injuries to five individuals, including a police constable and a revenue department official, early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 5 am at Manjari Naka, where a team from the Pune City Police was conducting vehicle checks in compliance with the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. According to Senior Inspector Santosh Pandhare, the bike, ridden by Kartik Dhawale, a 21-year-old third-year engineering student, lost control due to excessive speed.

"Initial information indicates that Dhawale and his pillion rider, fellow engineering student Sayali Tinge, were part of a group heading out for an outing. The sports bike skidded on its side, hitting Chetan Singh, whose car was under inspection, as well as two government officials, Police Constable Ravindra Bartakke and Revenue Department Official Naresh Gangurde," explained Inspector Pandhare.

The crash left Constable Bartakke with both legs fractured, while the others sustained various injuries. All victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Dhawale, currently under medical care, has been charged with rash driving and causing injuries. "The investigation is ongoing, but early findings suggest that speed was a critical factor in this unfortunate event," added Pandhare.

The checkpoint was set up to ensure compliance with election-related regulations, highlighting the risks involved for law enforcement officers and the public during such operations. Local authorities urge drivers to adhere to speed limits and exercise caution, especially near checkpoints.