A tragic hit-and-run incident in Pune has claimed the life of a 73-year-old morning walker, sending shockwaves through the local community. The fatal accident occurred on Pashan Road early Saturday morning, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians in the city.
Victim Identified as Regular Morning Walker
Police have identified the deceased as Asha Patil, a homemaker and resident of Abhimanshree Society. According to senior inspector Uttam Bhajnawale of the Chatushrungi police station, Patil was a dedicated morning walker who routinely covered several kilometres during her walks. She had left her home around 5:30 am on Saturday, adhering to her regular schedule.
Details of the Accident
The incident took place around 6 am when Patil was reportedly attempting to cross the road to walk towards Panchvati. Motorists discovered her lying on the road and immediately alerted the authorities. Police responded promptly and transported her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Initial investigations suggest that an unidentified tempo was passing through the area at the time of the accident. The CCTV footage from the spot indicates hazy conditions, complicating the identification process. Police are meticulously examining the footage to ascertain the registration number of the vehicle involved.
Police Investigation Underway
Inspector Bhajnawale stated, "Our team is studying the CCTV camera footage, which shows Patil walking towards Pashan from Abhimanshree Society's chowk. We suspect that after hitting Patil, the tempo driver sped away from the scene." The police have registered a case against unidentified motorists for rash and negligent driving resulting in death.
Family Files Complaint
Later in the day, Patil's son, Atul (52), who works for a prominent company in Mumbai, lodged a formal complaint at the Chatushrungi police station. This step has initiated a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his mother's untimely demise.
Community and Safety Implications
This incident raises critical questions about pedestrian safety on Pune's roads, especially during early morning hours when visibility can be poor. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Chatushrungi police are continuing their efforts to trace the tempo and its driver, appealing to the public for any additional information that might aid in the investigation. The loss of Asha Patil has left her family and neighbors in mourning, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in residential areas.
