Pune: Police Constable Killed On Mumbai Pune Highway In Hit-and-Run By Container Truck A Day Before His Birthday
Pune: Police Constable Killed On Mumbai Pune Highway In Hit-and-Run By Container Truck A Day Before His Birthday
PUNE/MUMBAI HIGHWAY – In a tragic incident on the eve of his birthday, a dedicated police constable, Mithun Dhende, aged 38, lost his life after being hit by a speeding container truck on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway near Karla Phata.
The accident occurred around 9:40 PM on Tuesday night, May 13, while Dhende was on duty conducting a vehicle check near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk at Chakan Phata. According to police reports, the container was moving at a high speed towards Chakan when it struck the constable, killing him on the spot.
Hit-and-Run Leaves Police Force Mourning
After the collision, the driver fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle at a truck yard in Chakan MIDC, sparking a manhunt. Police have registered a case and are actively analyzing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to identify and locate the suspect.
The timing of the accident has added to the grief, as Dhende was to celebrate his birthday on May 14, just a day after the fatal incident. His sudden death has left his family, including his wife, two children, and elderly parents, in deep mourning. The Vadgaon Maval Police Station, where he was posted, and the local community are also expressing heartfelt condolences.
Eyewitness Captures Incident on Video
According to sources, a local youth had filmed the speeding container and alerted the Pune Rural Police Control Room, which issued instructions to stop the vehicle. Dhende, who was managing traffic at the checkpoint, attempted to intervene when the truck struck him fatally.
Police Promise Strict Action
Vadgaon Maval Police have vowed strict action against the accused. “We are treating this as a serious case of negligent and reckless driving. The accused will be brought to justice,” said an official involved in the investigation.
Community in Shock
The tragic death of a committed officer on duty, especially on the eve of a personal celebration, has triggered an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and the local public. The incident also highlights the risks faced by traffic police officers on highways across Maharashtra.
