Two Engineering Students Injured in High-Speed Bike Crash at Election Checkpoint

PUNE, October 8, 2023 - A tragic accident unfolded early Sunday morning at Manjari Naka on the Pune-Solapur Highway, where a high-speed sports bike crashed into a static surveillance team (SST) checkpoint, injuring five individuals, including two government officials and two engineering students.

The incident occurred around 5 am when Kartik Dhawale, a 21-year-old third-year engineering student, lost control of his high-end sports bike while attempting to navigate the checkpoint. According to Senior Inspector Santosh Pandhare, Dhawale was riding with his friend, Sayali Tinge, another engineering student, as part of a group outing.

The bike, traveling at a high speed, skidded, hitting Police Constable Ravindra Bartakke and Revenue Department official Naresh Gangurde, who were part of the team checking vehicles under the mandate of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Assembly elections. Chetan Singh, whose car was being inspected at the time, was also injured in the chaos.

"Both students riding the bike sustained injuries. The bike hit a person whose car was being checked and two government staffers—a constable and revenue department officer. These three have sustained serious injuries. Constable Bartakke has fractured both legs," explained Senior Inspector Pandhare.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where they are receiving treatment. Dhawale, currently under medical care, has been charged with rash driving and causing injuries, as confirmed by the police.

The accident highlights the dangers of high-speed driving and the importance of adherence to traffic regulations, especially in areas where checks are being conducted. The police have urged road users to exercise caution, particularly in zones set up for election-related surveillance.