Traffic Constable Attacked While On Duty
In a brazen display of lawlessness, four young men, all with prior criminal records, brutally assaulted a traffic police constable in Pune on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at the busy Dhayari Phata junction, highlighting a dangerous disregard for authority among certain sections.
The Confrontation Over Pending Fines
According to officials from the Narhe police station, the victim, Constable Sandesh Sengar (48), was performing his routine duties at the chowk around 5:45 PM. He was both managing traffic and checking vehicles for outstanding fines using a handheld device.
When two of the accused arrived on a motorcycle from Dhayari, heading towards Pune city, Sengar ran their registration number. The device indicated pending fines against the two-wheeler, prompting the constable to stop the vehicle. Upon being asked to clear the fine, the two youths began arguing aggressively with Sengar.
Assault by the Group
The situation escalated rapidly when the duo's two accomplices arrived at the spot within minutes. The police report states that all four then allegedly surrounded Constable Sengar. They abused him verbally, physically beat him up, and even tore his uniform. After threatening him further, the group fled the scene, leaving the officer injured.
Following the attack, Sengar filed a formal complaint at the Narhe police station. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 132: Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty.
- Section 121: Voluntarily causing hurt.
- Section 352: Intentional insult.
The police confirmed that all four identified suspects already have body offence cases registered against them, marking them as known criminals.
Investigation and Expert Commentary
The Narhe police swiftly initiated an investigation. They collected details of both motorcycles involved and are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the vicinity. Based on the evidence, the suspects have been identified and summoned to the police station for questioning.
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Bhanupratap Barge commented on the incident, emphasizing a dual approach. He stressed that the police must deal with such criminal elements sternly to set a strong example. "They should arrest such criminals and ensure the case reaches its logical conclusion," Barge advised.
Simultaneously, he highlighted the importance of police conduct. He noted that personnel should always be polite while interacting with the public during duty. "Sometimes, police personnel start their dialogue with abuses, which is not expected, and this leads to retaliation," Barge added, calling for professionalism from both sides.
The assault on Constable Sandesh Sengar at Dhayari Phata is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement on the streets of Pune. It underscores the need for both public respect for the law and measured, professional conduct from the police force to maintain order and safety.
