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Increasing Hit-and-Run Cases in Maharashtra: An Urgent Call for Action

Rising Hit-and-Run Cases in Maharashtra: Urgent Need for Road Safety

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Increasing Hit-and-Run Cases in Maharashtra: An Urgent Call for Action

The recent surge of Maharashtra hit-and-run cases, including the tragic deaths of Archana Shinde in Nashik and other victims, has highlighted a growing crisis on the state’s roads. This alarming trend of reckless driving and fatal accidents has left communities in shock and raised questions about the efficacy of current traffic regulations and enforcement measures.




Archana Shinde, a diligent worker at a local restaurant, was on her way home when she was struck by a speeding Maruti A-Star driven by Devchand Tidme, who is suspected to have been intoxicated at the time. Despite immediate medical attention, Shinde succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and friends devastated. The police acted swiftly, using CCTV footage to track down and arrest Tidme, who now faces charges of causing death by negligence and driving under the influence.

On the same evening, 21-year-old Sabruddin Ansari lost his life in a separate Maharashtra hit-and-run case in Nashik. A truck struck Ansari near Papaya Nursery along Trimbak Road in the Satpur area. Ansari, who ran a kiosk offering air filling and tyre puncture services, was inflating a scooter’s tyres when the truck hit him. The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended with the help of CCTV footage. This incident occurred just hours after Shinde’s death, underscoring the frequency and severity of such accidents in the region.

A Disturbing Pattern

Shinde’s and Ansari’s tragic demises are not isolated incidents. Just days prior, another hit-and-run in Worli claimed the life of a woman after a BMW driver, Mihir Shah, struck her while she was on a bike with her husband. The husband survived, but the woman, Kaveri Nakhwa, succumbed to her injuries. Shah, who fled the scene, was later arrested from Thane district. He was produced before a metropolitan magistrate court in Dadar and remanded to police custody till July 16. According to the police, Shah’s father, Rajesh Shah, a Shiv Sena politician currently out on bail, actively facilitated his son’s escape and orchestrated plans to tow the offending vehicle away.

During interrogation, Mihir Shah admitted he was driving the car at the time of the crash. Shockingly, he was aware that Kaveri Nakhwa was stuck in one of the tyres of the BMW but still drove recklessly without stopping, despite frantic signals and shouts from passing motorists. After the crash, he abandoned the car at Kala Nagar and fled, fearing public fury. Shah tried to mislead the police by trimming his hair and shaving his beard. Additionally, police suspect that Shah and his family chauffeur, Rajrishi Bidawat, destroyed the car’s number plate. Shah has evaded questions about being inebriated at the time of the accident. Reports suggest he spoke to his girlfriend 40 times before abandoning the car and heading to her house, leading the police to consider questioning her.

In Pune, a similar tragedy unfolded when the son of a prominent builder, allegedly driving under the influence, killed two IT professionals in the Kalyani Nagar area on May 19. These incidents are part of a disturbing pattern of fatal accidents in Maharashtra, with several other recent cases reported.

The Role of Alcohol and Speeding

A common thread in these incidents is the involvement of alcohol and excessive speeding. Police investigations often reveal that the drivers were under the influence, raising concerns about the enforcement of drunk driving laws. In Shinde’s case, Tidme’s blood samples were sent for testing to confirm his alcohol levels. Similarly, in Pune, the son of a prominent builder was found to be driving under the influence when he killed two IT professionals.

Government Response

In response to the surge in Maharashtra hit-and-run cases, the state government has promised to implement stricter measures to combat reckless driving. This includes enhancing surveillance through more extensive use of CCTV cameras and increasing the number of traffic patrols, especially in high-risk areas. Additionally, the state is considering harsher penalties for those caught driving under the influence, including longer jail terms and higher fines.

However, these measures alone may not suffice. Experts argue that there needs to be a comprehensive approach that includes better road design, public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drunk driving, and a zero-tolerance policy for traffic violations. There is also a call for more rigorous training and regular re-evaluation of drivers to ensure they are fit to be on the road.

Community and Advocacy

Beyond government action, community involvement is crucial in tackling this issue. NGOs and local advocacy groups are stepping up their efforts to educate the public about road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. Campaigns focused on promoting responsible drinking and encouraging the use of designated drivers or alternative transportation can play a significant role in reducing these tragedies.

In Nashik, local residents have begun to mobilize, demanding better safety measures and accountability from their leaders. The repeated incidents have fostered a sense of urgency and a collective call for change. Candlelight vigils and public demonstrations are being organized to honor the victims and to keep the pressure on authorities to act decisively.

A Need for Cultural Shift

Ultimately, addressing the epidemic of Maharashtra hit-and-run cases requires a cultural shift in how society views road safety and personal responsibility. It involves fostering a culture where the safety of all road users is prioritized and where individuals understand the severe consequences of their actions behind the wheel.

As Maharashtra grapples with these ongoing tragedies, it is imperative for all stakeholders—government, law enforcement, communities, and individuals—to work together towards creating safer roads. Only through sustained and collective efforts can the state hope to prevent further loss of innocent lives and ensure that the roads are safe for everyone.


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