On February 16, a shocking incident of road rage unfolded on the Sion-Panvel Highway near the CBD Belapur flyover in Navi Mumbai. A 24-year-old BEST bus driver, Dhanesh Ram Patil, fell victim to a violent assault by an unidentified biker wielding a helmet. The driver was left shaken and injured, prompting an investigation by the CBD Belapur police.
Road Rage Escalates
As the clock neared 9:40 pm, Dhanesh Ram Patil was carrying out his routine route from Anik Depot in Sion to the Kharghar parking area when chaos erupted on the Sion-Panvel flyover. A motorcycle rider abruptly intercepted the bus, accusing the driver of a minor collision. Despite Patil’s efforts to explain the misunderstanding, the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
Eyewitnesses reported that the biker, visibly irate, forcibly boarded the bus and launched a vicious attack on the bus driver using his helmet as a weapon. The assault was targeted at Patil’s head and arms, leaving him with physical injuries and emotional trauma. The assailant fled the scene swiftly, leaving behind a shocked and battered victim.
Investigation and Legal Action
In the aftermath of the violent altercation, the driver wasted no time in alerting the authorities. Providing the police with crucial details, such as the bike’s registration number (except for the last digit) and a description of the suspect, Patil set the wheels of justice in motion. The motorcycle in question was identified as a Honda Unicorn, and the alleged attacker was described as a middle-aged male between 35 to 40 years old.
Senior Inspector Sandesh Revale of the Belapur Police Station assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to justice. A case has been registered under sections 118 (1) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, highlighting the gravity of the offense committed against the bus driver.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the unpredictable nature of human behavior in high-stress situations. As authorities continue their pursuit of justice, it is essential for all road users to exercise patience, empathy, and restraint on the streets to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring again.
