Akurli road junction: Man held for ‘assaulting’ traffic cops, police say he was drunk

Sonawane, the police said, demanded to know why Bade had stopped traffic and started to push him. “He pulled at Bade’s uniform and abused him. Sonawane also pushed the officer and threatened to kill him,” said Uttam Gaikwad, senior inspector, Dahisar traffic division.

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Passersby and other motorists, however, prevented Sonawane from fleeing and helped the traffic police nab him. He was placed inside a police car and driven to Samta Nagar police station nearby. Sonawane, however, continued to abuse. “He began to abuse constable Shailesh Pote, who was driving the car. He leaned forward in his seat and slapped Pote on the back of his head,” Gaikwad said.

Sonawane was charged with assaulting a public servant, causing hurt to a public servant and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code.

”Sonawane was under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. He has several cases of assault registered against him,” said Dilip Yadav, senior inspector, Samta Nagar police station.

After the incident, the traffic police have taken steps to ensure minimum disruption at the Akurli Road junction. “There is heavy traffic congestion (at the junction) every evening as a lot of people drive towards Lokhandwala Complex. From today onwards, we will place barricades to ensure motorists stick to one lane,” said Gaiwkad.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com