IN A shocking incident that unfolded in the small hours of Monday, an Audi e-car belonging to Sanket Bawankule, son of Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State BJP President and former Cabinet Minister, was involved in a high-speed crash causing extensive damage across several streets. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though multiple vehicles were severely damaged. Police took car driver Arjun Hawre (27) into custody soon after the mishap. The incident occurred at around 12.30 am when the speeding e-Audi (MH-40/CY-4040) collided with a Maruti Suzuki A-Star car (MH-31/BV-0721) from behind near Hotel Centre Point on Central Bazar Road in Ramdaspeth. Due to the impact, a A-Star car, driven by Jitendra Shivaji Sonkamble (46), an employee of the Patrakar Club of Nagpur, lost control and subsequently crashed into a Hyundai Sonata (MH-31/EK-3939) ahead.

 

The reckless driving continued as the Audi car hit a man riding a Honda Activa scooter (MH-49/Z-8637), causing the rider to fall and sustain minor injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the Audi car was zigzagging through traffic, leading to widespread panic among motorists. Numerous vehicles were damaged along Central Bazar Road, and the chaotic spree extended to areas near Hislop College and Samvidhan Square. Thankfully, most victims sustained only minor injuries. Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Chakate, In-Charge of Sitabuldi Police Station, confirmed the arrest of the driver, Arjun Hawre (27), and his friend, Raunit alias Rohit Chimtalwar (27), who were both taken into custody. The Audi car involved in the incident has been detained for further investigation, he added. Hawre was subjected to medical tests, and blood samples were taken to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicant substances. A case has been registered under Sections 281, 125, 125(a), and 324(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, as well as Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

 

Rumours surfaced suggesting that sons of two politicians were allegedly racing their cars along West High Court Road, which may have contributed to the crash. Eyewitnesses estimated that the Audi car was travelling at a speed of about 130 kilometre per hour. However, police maintained that Hawre was the one driving the car at the time of the accident, and further investigations are underway. Responding to the incident, State BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule acknowledged that the Audi car is registered in his son’s name. He called for a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that the law should apply equally to everyone. “I have not spoken to any police official,” he stated, adding, “Those found guilty should face appropriate action.”