A disturbing incident unfolded in Nagpur on Sunday evening when an army officer on leave allegedly drove his car under the influence of alcohol and hit at least 25 to 30 people. The vehicle eventually overturned and fell into a roadside drain, triggering public outrage.
The accused has been identified as Harshpal Mahadev Waghmare, a 40-year-old officer serving in the Indian Army in Assam. He was in Maharashtra on a four-day leave at the time of the incident.
According to officials, Waghmare was driving recklessly from Durga Chowk to Hamlapuri in the Nagardhan area around 8:30 pm when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. In a matter of seconds, the speeding car struck multiple people before crashing and toppling into a drain.
Eyewitnesses said that many of the injured were bystanders and local residents who were on the roadside when the car ploughed through the area. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Following the accident, a large group of enraged locals pulled Waghmare out of the vehicle and physically assaulted him. Videos from the scene show him with blood on his face, attempting to shield himself from the mob.
Police from the Ramtek station arrived at the scene and intervened. Waghmare was taken into custody and then transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Police are likely to press charges related to rash driving, endangering public life, and driving under the influence.
