Mumbai Road Rage Incident Claims Life of Retired BMC Employee Under Dadar TT Bridge
A tragic road rage incident in central Mumbai has resulted in the death of a 63-year-old man, sparking outrage and highlighting concerns over public safety. The victim, identified as Naresh alias Narottam Waghela, a retired employee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was allegedly beaten to death under the Dadar TT Circle on Monday night. The Matunga police have swiftly taken action, arresting the owner of the vehicle, Shanawaz Shaikh, and his driver, Sahil Ghadge, on charges of murder.
Details of the Fatal Altercation
According to police reports, the incident unfolded on the night of April 12. Savita Waghela, the wife of the deceased, lodged a formal complaint stating that she and her husband had been residing under the Dadar flyover bridge for the past few days. At approximately 9:30 PM, a Pune–Mumbai-bound Ertiga car was parked on the road near their makeshift dwelling. When the couple requested the driver not to park in that spot, a heated argument erupted.
The driver, Sahil Ghadge, allegedly called the car owner, Shanawaz Shaikh, to the scene. Subsequently, both individuals assaulted Naresh Waghela with fists and kicks. The complaint further details that the assailants dragged the victim across the road to a bus stop opposite the Bata showroom, where they continued the brutal attack, pinning him to the ground and striking him repeatedly.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Savita Waghela intervened during the assault but found her husband unresponsive. With the assistance of a passerby, she rushed him to King Edward Memorial Hospital. Tragically, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Witnessing the severity of the situation, the two accused fled the scene in fear.
Based on Savita Waghela's detailed description of the suspects, along with corroborating CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, the Matunga police arrested Shanawaz Shaikh and Sahil Ghadge. An official involved in the case stated, "Prima facie, it appears that the deceased was drunk and weak and died due to the alleged assault. We have arrested the two persons based on the deceased's wife's complaint, but have sought opinion from the doctors to understand the actual cause of death." The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise circumstances leading to the fatality.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Dadar, raising serious questions about road safety and violence in public spaces. Naresh Waghela, who lived with his family in Gautam Nagar, Dadar, was a respected retired BMC employee, and his untimely death has left many mourning. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
