Pune: An unfortunate incident unfolded on the Pune-Solapur highway near HP Gate No. 2, as a public transport bus driver fell victim to abuse and physical assault. The Loni Kalbhor police swiftly responded by registering a case against the alleged assailant, a rickshaw driver, who has since been apprehended. The incident occurred on Monday morning around 11 a.m.
The victim, identified as Yogesh Siddheshwar Khadke, a 37-year-old ST bus driver hailing from Bhandgaon Taluka Daund in Pune district, lodged a formal complaint at the Loni Kalbhor Police Station on Tuesday. Subsequently, the accused rickshaw driver, Hasan Samsher Pathan, aged 40 and residing in Inamdar Vasti, Loni Kalbhor, was charged and arrested under sections 353, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
According to police reports, the altercation ensued when Yogesh Khadke was manoeuvring the ST bus on the Pune-Solapur highway towards Latur. Hasan Pathan, operating a rickshaw, allegedly brought the bus to a halt by blocking its path. Subsequently, an exchange of abuses occurred, leading to Pathan physically assaulting Khadke, tearing his shirt, and issuing threats. The accused was also charged with obstructing government work.
In a twist to the narrative, Hasan Pathan filed a counter-complaint against Yogesh Khadke on the same day of the incident. Pathan claimed that the collision occurred when Khadke’s ST bus collided with his rickshaw in front of HP Gate No. 2. An argument ensued, with Khadke allegedly responding aggressively, threatening Pathan, and causing injuries by hurling a stone at him from the bus.
The police have registered a case against Yogesh Khadke under sections 324, 504, and 506 of the IPC based on Pathan’s complaint. Sub-Inspector of Police Dhaygude is overseeing the ongoing investigation into the incident.
