Nagpur: A 28-year-old history-sheeter was arrested by Pardi Police after he allegedly drove an autorickshaw under the influence of alcohol, rammed two two-wheelers, obstructed a traffic police officer from performing his duty, and threatened to block an entire road in Nagpur.
The accused has been identified as Pranay alias Ankit Ramkumar Deshmukh (28), a resident of Ambe Nagar, Bhandewadi. Police records reveal that he has 23 previous criminal cases registered against him, including offences under the Arms Act and BNS provisions related to preparation and assembly for committing dacoity.
According to the complaint lodged by Traffic Constable Atul Bhimrao Thakre, who was on duty at Hanuman Mandir Chowk, Pardi, the incident occurred at around 8.30 pm on July 8.
Police said the accused was driving autorickshaw MH-49-CF-1740 at high speed in a rash and dangerous manner from the HB Town-Pardi Road side when he crashed into a Pulsar motorcycle, causing two riders and a young child travelling on the bike to fall onto the road.
As the traffic constable rushed to assist the injured and signalled the auto driver to stop, the accused allegedly sped away, nearly hitting the policeman before colliding with another Activa scooter while attempting to flee.
The constable eventually intercepted the autorickshaw and moved it to the roadside. When asked to produce the vehicle documents, the accused allegedly created a ruckus, shouted on the road, gathered a crowd, and obstructed the officer from discharging his official duties. He also allegedly threatened to “block the entire road and deal with anyone who comes in front of him,” while recording videos of the policeman on his mobile phone.
With the assistance of Pardi Police Station staff, the accused was taken into custody. A breathalyser test confirmed that he had consumed alcohol.
Police said the accused knowingly drove in a manner that could have resulted in culpable homicide, despite being aware of the risks posed by his actions.
Based on the complaint, Pardi Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with applicable sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and other laws. Further investigation is underway.
