In a shocking incident on the evening of May 10, a Thar SUV, allegedly driven by an intoxicated man, crashed into six parked two-wheelers near Euphoria in Kothrud — a popular area where children often gather to play. The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m., sparking serious concerns about public safety.
The driver has been identified as Rishi Pujari, the owner of the Garden Court Hotel on NDA Road. Eyewitnesses claim that Pujari appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. A formal complaint has been filed at Alankar Police Station.
Witnesses also noted that the Thar’s windows were fully blacked out, in violation of traffic norms. No injuries have been reported so far, but the incident has drawn comparisons to the high-profile Porsche case in Pune, prompting concerns over the enforcement of traffic and drunk driving.
Sunita Rokade, Senior Police Inspector (Alankar Police Station), speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, "Regarding the incident, we have detained the accused, Rishi Pujari.
"He has been sent for a medical examination at Sassoon Hospital. After the medical report, it will be confirmed whether he was drunk or not. Accordingly, sections will be applied, and police will take action," she added.
She said a case has been registered under section 281 (rash driving) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicle Act.
Local residents are urging authorities to take swift and strict action to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety, especially in areas frequented by children.
This comes, just a week after one person died after a Mercedes collided with his two-wheeler on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway in the early hours. Following the crash, the high-end car broke through the barricade on the Wadgaon Bridge and fell onto the service road below.
Drunk driving cases in Pune came under scanner after Porsche accident case, which happened in May last year. On May 19, 2024, a teenager, who police allege was driving drunk in a Porsche that collided with a motorcycle in the early hours, leaving two IT professionals dead
