A speeding motorcyclist struck and injured a traffic police constable during a New Year's Eve drunk driving check in Mumbai before fleeing the scene. The Tardeo police have launched a manhunt for the unidentified rider.
Constable Injured in Deliberate Hit-and-Run
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, near the NSCI Club. A police roadblock was set up there, with personnel from both the Tardeo and traffic police departments deployed to check for intoxicated drivers. Barricades were placed across two lanes to slow down vehicles.
At around 3:30 am, a biker travelling southbound approached the checkpoint at high speed. Constable Ashish Nigot and a colleague signalled him to stop. Although the rider initially slowed down, he suddenly accelerated upon reaching Constable Nigot, ramming his motorcycle into him.
"The bike’s handle struck Nigot, and due to the impact, he fell on the road," a police officer stated. The constable sustained injuries to his hand and leg. He was immediately rushed to Nair Hospital by his colleague, Constable Chandrakant Sonawane.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Senior Inspector Savalaram Salgaonkar of the Tardeo police station confirmed the details. "The roadblock was carried out to check for drunk driving. The police indicated to the biker to stop when he was approaching, but the biker did not stop and hit the police constable," he said.
Initial medical suspicion of a fracture in Nigot's hand was ruled out after an X-ray confirmed it was a blunt injury with no break. His condition is reported to be stable as he undergoes treatment.
Police have reviewed CCTV footage from the area and have traced the motorcycle's registration number. Efforts are ongoing to identify and locate the biker. Once apprehended, tests will determine if he was under the influence of alcohol.
FIR Registered Under Multiple Charges
An FIR has been registered against the unidentified biker under stringent sections of the law. The charges include:
- Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash driving.
- Section 195(a) of the BNS for assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant.
- Section 134(a)(b) of the BNS related to assault during an attempted theft.
- Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving.
The Mumbai police's search for the accused continues as they piece together the events of the New Year's Eve incident.
