A devastating road accident in Pune's Hinjewadi area has claimed the lives of three young siblings, with the eldest succumbing to her injuries hours after the crash. The tragedy, which occurred on Monday evening, was caused by a private company bus driver who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
Chronology of a Fatal Evening
The incident took place around 5:45 pm on Monday near the victims' father's dry cleaning shop. Priya Deven Prasad (16) had gone to pick up her younger brother and sister from school and was returning home with them. A bus ferrying employees of an IT firm struck the children just a few metres from their destination.
The impact was severe. Priya's younger siblings, six-year-old Suraj and nine-year-old Archana, were killed on the spot. Priya herself sustained critical injuries. Their father, Deven Prasad, first rushed Priya to Aundh Hospital before she was transferred to Sassoon General Hospital for advanced care. Despite medical efforts, Priya succumbed to her injuries later that night.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Enraged bystanders on the road apprehended and thrashed the bus driver, identified as Nagnath Gujar, immediately after the accident. The Hinjewadi police, upon investigation, confirmed that medical tests showed Gujar was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police have made multiple arrests in connection with the case. Driver Nagnath Gujar and sub-vendor-cum-manager Bhausaheb Gholam were arrested and produced before a court on Tuesday. The court remanded them in police custody for three days. Senior police inspector Balaji Pandhare provided these details.
A broader case has been registered, targeting not just the driver but also the transport operator's manager and the person responsible for checking the driver's fitness before his shift. They have been booked under serious sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 125 (act endangering personal safety of others). Charges under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act were also added as the bus damaged an electric DP and a hoarding during the incident.
Other Victims and Ongoing Investigation
The tragedy extended beyond the three siblings. Three other individuals were injured in the accident. Motorcycle driver Avinash Chavan (26) is in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at Sassoon General Hospital. Two pedestrians, Noor Alam and Vimal Ozarkar (40), were also injured.
Police Sub-Inspector Vikas Taktode of the Hinjewadi police is closely involved in the investigation. The case highlights grave lapses in safety protocols by the private transport service, leading to the arrest of the manager and the individual tasked with ensuring the driver was fit for duty. The investigation continues as authorities examine the full chain of responsibility for this preventable loss of young lives.
