Police Sub-Inspector Suspended and Arrested Following Drunk Driving Incident in Gujarat
A shocking incident unfolded on the Godhra-Lunawada highway in Gujarat's Mahisagar district on Wednesday evening, where a police sub-inspector, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, caused a serious accident. The officer, identified as H G Kharadi, is accused of knocking down a pedestrian and subsequently ramming his vehicle into another car, leading to his immediate arrest and suspension from duty.
Details of the Highway Accident
The event occurred near Bhayasar village in Lunawada taluka, where Mansukh Nayak, a 60-year-old caretaker of shops along the highway, was returning to his room after work. According to reports, a compact SUV, driven recklessly, struck Nayak, causing him to fall onto the road. He sustained injuries to his legs and was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Following the initial collision, the SUV did not stop and crashed into another car on the highway, compounding the severity of the situation.
Police Response and Arrest of the Officer
Upon being alerted, local police arrived at the scene and found the SUV driver in a heavily intoxicated state, displaying an unstable mental condition. Subsequent verification revealed the driver to be armed police sub-inspector H G Kharadi, who is posted with the Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Mahisagar police at the district headquarters. Kharadi was taken into custody and later formally arrested. Medical tests were conducted to confirm his alcohol consumption, with results pending further investigation.
Immediate Actions and Official Statements
Deputy Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Vasava addressed the media, stating that Kharadi has been suspended with immediate effect and an inquiry has been initiated into the matter. Vasava emphasized that the police are also proceeding with procedures to cancel the officer's driving licence, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach to such misconduct. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and accountability within law enforcement, sparking discussions on stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Key Points from the Incident:- The accident involved a police sub-inspector allegedly driving drunk on a major highway.
- A pedestrian, Mansukh Nayak, was injured and hospitalized following the collision.
- The officer's vehicle also hit another car, causing additional damage.
- H G Kharadi was arrested, suspended, and faces potential licence cancellation.
- Authorities have launched an inquiry to investigate the full circumstances of the case.