The nephew of NCP MLA Dilip Mohite, Mayur Mohite, was arrested following an incident where his SUV collided with a motorcyclist on the Pune-Nashik highway.
In a tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday night, a 19-year-old youth lost his life in what authorities describe as an alleged hit-and-run collision on the Pune-Nashik Highway. The victim, identified as Om Sunil Bhalerao, hailed from Kalamb in Ambegaon taluka of Pune district. The accident occurred around 9:25 pm near Eklahare village, situated within Ambegaon taluka.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Reports from the scene indicate that the fatal collision transpired when an SUV, identified as a Fortuner, was reportedly traveling on the wrong side of the highway. The driver, later identified as Mayur Sahebrao Mohite, aged 39 and a resident of Mohitewadi in Shel Pimpalgaon village, Khed taluka, Pune district, allegedly struck the motorcycle Om Bhalerao was riding. The impact of the collision resulted in Om sustaining severe injuries that tragically proved fatal.
Mayur Mohite, notably the nephew of Dilip Mohite, a prominent leader associated with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the sitting MLA from the Khed Alandi assembly constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, initially fled the scene following the accident. His abrupt departure left Om Bhalerao critically injured without immediate medical aid, a factor that has intensified the gravity of the incident.
The sequence of events unfolded swiftly, prompting immediate responses from both law enforcement and concerned family members. Om Bhalerao’s uncle, Nitin Bhalerao, aged 41, took decisive action by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with local authorities. The FIR detailed the circumstances leading to Om’s tragic demise, asserting that Mayur Mohite had been driving recklessly on the wrong side of the highway at high speed, directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
Inspector Arul Fuge, in charge of the Manchar police station where the case is under investigation, provided insights into the preliminary findings. “Our investigation indicates that the accused, Mayur Mohite, was operating his Fortuner SUV in the direction from Kalamb to Manchar, yet on the incorrect side of the highway. This egregious maneuver led to a collision with Om Bhalerao’s motorcycle, causing him severe and ultimately fatal injuries,” Inspector Fuge conveyed.
The aftermath of the collision was not only marked by tragedy but also by the subsequent actions—or lack thereof—of the accused driver. “Following the collision, Mayur Mohite failed to render aid to the victim or seek medical assistance on his behalf. Instead, he fled the scene, exacerbating the severity of the situation,” Inspector Fuge emphasized. Despite his initial flight, law enforcement personnel were able to apprehend Mayur Mohite shortly afterward, placing him under arrest for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run incident.
The repercussions of this incident extend beyond the immediate loss suffered by Om Bhalerao’s family and loved ones. It has sparked widespread discussions and raised pertinent questions regarding road safety protocols, enforcement of traffic regulations, and the accountability of individuals involved in road accidents. The fact that Mayur Mohite is related to a prominent political figure has added a layer of complexity to public discourse, with concerns about potential influences on legal proceedings and calls for impartiality in the pursuit of justice.
Om Bhalerao’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in reckless driving practices and the devastating consequences they can inflict on innocent lives. His family and community are mourning the loss of a promising young individual whose future was tragically cut short due to circumstances that could have been prevented with greater adherence to road safety norms.
In response to this tragedy, authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring all aspects of the incident are meticulously scrutinized. Efforts are underway to gather witness testimonies, analyze forensic evidence, and ascertain the full extent of culpability in accordance with the law. The involvement of prominent personalities and the ensuing media attention have underscored the need for transparency and diligence in handling the case.
Furthermore, the incident has prompted advocacy for enhanced road safety measures across Pune and beyond. Community leaders, activists, and concerned citizens are advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved infrastructure, and comprehensive educational campaigns aimed at promoting responsible driving habits. Initiatives to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of immediate assistance in emergencies are also gaining traction, driven by the desire to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As legal proceedings unfold and the community mourns the loss of Om Bhalerao, there remains a collective call for justice and accountability. The pursuit of justice, in this case, transcends individual grievances to encompass broader systemic reforms aimed at safeguarding lives and promoting a culture of safety on our roads. Om Bhalerao’s memory will endure as a symbol of the urgent need for concerted efforts to prevent senseless loss and uphold the sanctity of life on our highways.
Superintendent of Police for Pune Rural, Pankaj Deshmukh, stated, “Blood samples from the arrested driver have been collected and sent for examination. We are awaiting the results. Meanwhile, Mayur has been produced before the court and remanded to magisterial custody.”
In response to queries regarding additional injuries from the accident, Fuge clarified, “That information is incorrect.”
When reached for comment, Dilip Mohite expressed, “This incident is deeply unfortunate, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased youth. Mayur, who is my nephew and the son of my late elder brother, was returning home on Saturday night when this tragic incident occurred. The police are actively investigating the case, and I plan to meet with the family of the deceased soon.”
When contacted, Dilip Mohite conveyed, “This is a deeply regrettable incident, and my sincere condolences go out to the family of the deceased youth. Mayur, who is my nephew and the son of my late elder brother, was on his way home Saturday night when this tragic event unfolded. The police are currently investigating the matter, and I intend to meet with the bereaved family in the near future.”
