Sangli Hit-and-Run Incident Leaves 11 Injured, Including Police Personnel
A violent hit-and-run incident occurred on Sunday evening in Sangli city, resulting in injuries to at least eleven individuals, five of whom were police personnel deployed in the area. The accident took place on Tilak Road near the prominent Ganpati Temple, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere as people were heading to attend the Krushnamai Festival.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds as SUV Rams into Vehicles and Crowd
According to police reports, the driver of an SUV, identified as Praniket Dattatrey Panchal from the Barshi Road area in Latur, lost control of his vehicle. The SUV first collided with several parked and moving vehicles before swerving into a densely crowded stretch where pedestrians were walking. This reckless driving caused immediate panic and chaos, leading to multiple injuries among the festival-goers and law enforcement officers present.
Angry Mob Assaults Driver, Police Intervene to Rescue Him
In the aftermath of the collision, an enraged mob quickly surrounded the SUV. They forcibly dragged Praniket Panchal out of his vehicle and began assaulting him, expressing their fury over the incident. Police personnel, who were already at the scene, intervened promptly to rescue the driver from the aggressive crowd. The SUV was also vandalized by locals after it came to a halt, adding to the disorder.
Injured Victims Rushed to Hospital, Suffer Fractures
All the injured individuals, including the five police personnel, were immediately rushed to a local hospital in Sangli for urgent medical attention. Doctors at the hospital confirmed that most of the victims sustained fractures and are currently undergoing treatment. The severity of the injuries highlights the dangerous nature of the hit-and-run, which disrupted a community event and endangered public safety.
Case Registered, Investigation Underway
A formal case has been registered against Praniket Panchal at the Sangli City Police Station. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident, including potential factors like speeding or negligence. The incident has raised concerns about road safety during crowded festivals, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
