A Pune Police constable was attacked near FTII, suffering serious injuries after a minor accident turned violent. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for safer, calmer roads in Pune.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
In a shocking incident that unfolded near the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, a police constable suffered a torn ear and multiple injuries after being allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals following a minor road accident. The episode has raised serious concerns about growing incidents of road rage and assaults on law enforcement officers in the city.
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A Routine Day Turns Violent Near FTII
The incident took place late Sunday evening near the FTII junction in Law College Road, one of Pune’s busiest stretches. According to preliminary reports, Constable Prakash Jadhav, attached to the Deccan Police Station, was heading towards his home after duty hours on his two-wheeler when a minor collision occurred between his bike and another vehicle.
What should have been a simple exchange of apologies quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Eyewitnesses claim that after a brief verbal altercation, three men from the other vehicle physically attacked the constable, leading to a torn ear, bruises on his face, and injuries to his right arm.
Details of the Assault and Eyewitness Accounts
As per local witnesses, the altercation began when one of the men accused the constable of reckless driving. Despite identifying himself as a police officer, the situation spiraled out of control when the men refused to listen and resorted to physical aggression.
One eyewitness, a shop owner nearby, reported,
“They surrounded him and started hitting him. Even after he fell to the ground, they continued the assault. It was horrifying to watch.”
The public intervened and immediately alerted Deccan Police, who arrived at the scene within minutes. The attackers reportedly fled before the police patrol could reach the spot.
Constable Jadhav was rushed to Sassoon General Hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had sustained a partially torn ear and multiple contusions.
Police Launches Investigation into Assault on Constable
Senior officials from the Deccan Police Station have taken serious note of the incident. A case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty) and Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), among others.
An officer from the investigation team stated,
“We have identified the suspects through CCTV footage from nearby shops and road cameras. Teams have been dispatched to locate and arrest them.”
The police are also verifying whether the accused have a prior criminal record. The Deccan division crime branch is assisting in tracking down the culprits.
Hospital Report Confirms Serious Injuries
Doctors treating Constable Jadhav stated that the torn ear injury would require minor reconstructive surgery. He also sustained abrasions and bruises consistent with blunt force trauma.
A senior medical officer at Sassoon General Hospital said,
“The patient was brought in with bleeding from the ear and swelling on the right arm and cheek. He was conscious and stable but visibly shaken.”
The constable is currently under observation and expected to recover in the coming days.
Pune Police Condemn the Attack – Call for Strict Action
The Pune Police Commissioner’s Office issued a strong statement condemning the assault on a uniformed officer. Officials emphasized that attacking a police officer, even off-duty, is a serious criminal offense that will attract stringent legal action.
A senior police spokesperson commented,
“We will ensure that the attackers are booked under relevant sections and brought to justice. Such incidents will not be tolerated. The safety of our personnel, on or off duty, is of utmost importance.”
Rising Incidents of Road Rage in Pune
This assault highlights a disturbing trend of increasing road rage cases in Pune. Over the past few months, the city has witnessed multiple altercations leading to violence and injuries stemming from minor traffic disputes.
Traffic experts and psychologists suggest that stress, impatience, and lack of civic sense contribute to such violent outbursts. The Pune Traffic Police have initiated awareness campaigns emphasizing road discipline and conflict resolution to prevent such incidents.
According to police data, over 120 road rage–related complaints were filed in Pune in the past year, many of which involved physical assaults or damage to vehicles.
Public Reaction and Outrage
The incident has sparked outrage among citizens and fellow police officers. Many took to social media, demanding swift justice and better protection for law enforcement personnel.
Residents near FTII expressed shock that such an attack could occur in a high-security and well-monitored area. Civic groups have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and police authorities to increase street surveillance and ensure better lighting and CCTV coverage in sensitive zones like Law College Road.
Legal Experts Call for Harsher Penalties
Legal experts have weighed in, stating that Section 333 of the IPC provides for imprisonment up to ten years for voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant. They argue that invoking this section in such cases is crucial to set a strong deterrent against assaults on police officers.
Advocate Meera Joshi, a Pune-based criminal lawyer, stated,
“It’s essential that the case is pursued with full rigor. Such assaults undermine public order and the rule of law. Police officers must be protected both institutionally and legally.”
FTII Junction: A Known Traffic Hotspot
The FTII junction and surrounding roads, including Law College Road and Prabhat Road, are known for heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks. Locals have repeatedly complained about reckless driving and poor road discipline in the area.
Urban mobility experts have also noted that narrow lanes and poor parking enforcement add to the tension, often leading to confrontations between motorists. The Pune Traffic Police have promised enhanced patrolling and deployment of CCTV-based monitoring systems in the area to ensure safety.
A Call for Respect and Restraint on Roads
While the investigation continues, this case serves as a grim reminder of the need for patience, empathy, and respect on the roads. Minor accidents should never escalate into violence, especially against those who serve to maintain public safety.
Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to report disputes peacefully and avoid taking the law into their own hands. As Pune continues to grow and traffic increases, cultivating a culture of mutual respect among commuters has become more vital than ever.
Justice Must Prevail
The assault on a constable near FTII is not just an isolated case—it reflects a larger challenge of civic indiscipline and aggression that the city must confront collectively. As investigations move forward, citizens hope for swift arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Ensuring that law enforcement officers feel secure both on and off duty is essential for maintaining order, discipline, and public confidence in Pune’s policing system.
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