A shocking road accident unfolded on Saturday evening in Pune’s Sadashiv Peth near Bhave High School, where a speeding Hyundai Aura car rammed into a tea stall, injuring 12 people, including 6 Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants. The driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control and ploughed through a group of pedestrians around 5:45 PM.
The accused has been identified as 27-year-old Jayram Shivaji More, a resident of Samarth Colony, Bibwewadi. His co-passenger, Rahul Gosavi (27), and the car’s owner, Digambar Yadav Shinde (27), have also been taken into custody. Police confirmed that all three have been sent for medical examination at Sassoon Hospital to determine alcohol levels.
Victims Identified
The injured include both male and female pedestrians. Among those hurt are:
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Kishore Haribhau Bhapkar (57)
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Payal Avesh Kumar Durge (26)
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Gulnaz Siraj Ahmed (23)
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Sonali Sudhakar Gholve (30)
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Mangesh Atmaram Suruse (33)
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Amit Ashok Gandhi (45)
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Sameer Shripad Bhalkikar (45)
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Somnath Keshav Merukar (28)
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Prashant Brahmadev Bandgar (30)
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Avinash Phalke
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Prathamesh Patange
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Sandeep Khopde
At least four individuals sustained serious injuries. One MPSC aspirant, a young woman, suffered major lower-body damage and was transferred to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Others were treated at Sancheti and Suncity hospitals.
Eyewitness & Police Account
According to Senior Police Inspector Vijaymala Pawar of Vishrambaug Police Station,
“The speeding car crashed into multiple people and vehicles parked near the tea stall. Preliminary evidence suggests the driver was under the influence of alcohol.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingale confirmed that a case has been registered and action will be taken under relevant sections related to drunk driving.
Not the First Tragedy
This incident draws parallels to the recent high-profile Porsche accident in Kalyani Nagar that also involved a drunk driver. Both cases have reignited public anger and sparked urgent calls for stricter enforcement of drink-and-drive laws in Maharashtra.
This tragedy, especially involving MPSC aspirants who were out for a simple evening tea break, highlights the devastating ripple effects of irresponsible driving. As the city continues to grieve, the need for robust traffic monitoring and stronger deterrents against intoxicated driving becomes clearer than ever.
