Thane: A traffic policeman in Navi Mumbai was dragged on a car's bonnet for almost 20 km after attempting to stop the driver, who was suspected of being under the influence of drugs, according to officials. The incident took place in the Vashi area around 1:30 pm on Saturday, while the 37-year-old police naik, Siddeshwar Mali, was on bandobast duty due to the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The car's 22-year-old driver, Aditya Bembde, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Mali was stationed at the Koparkhairane-Vashi lane when he and another police officer tried to stop the car. However, the driver allegedly tried to run over Mali when asked to stop, causing the officer to land on the car's bonnet.
Despite the dangerous situation, Mali managed to cling onto the bonnet and hold onto the vehicle with his hands. The driver, instead of stopping, continued to drive the car at high speed for almost 20 km until Gavhan phata. Mali eventually fell from the vehicle, according to an official from the Vashi police station.
Afterwards, other policemen chased the car driver and apprehended him. Medical tests revealed that he had consumed drugs, leading to his arrest and charging under the Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempted murder), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), and 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), as well as the NDPS Act.
This incident highlights the dangers that traffic police officers face while carrying out their duties. It also underscores the importance of strict enforcement of drug laws to deter individuals from endangering others while under the influence of drugs. It is fortunate that the officer was not more seriously injured, and the perpetrator has been apprehended and charged for his actions.
Also read: MP: Traffic cop taken for dangerous ride on car's bonnet; driver held
