Nagpur: In the early hours of Monday, an Audi Q8, registered in the name of Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule’s son, Sanket, was involved in a dramatic sequence of events in Nagpur. The vehicle reportedly sped out of a high-end pub at around 12:30 a.m., colliding with three cars and a scooter in Ramdaspeth. The series of crashes led to a pile-up before the car continued its reckless journey, ultimately crashing into another vehicle 6 kilometers away at Mankapur.
Two individuals were injured in the accident.
Arjun Haore, an engineer who was reportedly driving the car, and his friend, businessman Ronit Chinthamwar, have been arrested. Haore is known to be a friend of Sanket Bawankule. Zonal DCP Rahul Madne confirmed that blood samples of Haore and Chinthamwar have been sent for forensic analysis to check for alcohol consumption. “We are investigating the case from every angle,” said Madne.
Despite the severity of the incident, the FIR does not include the car’s registration number or Sanket’s name, though sources suggest he may have fled the scene during the chaotic 10-kilometer drive. A senior police officer indicated that Sanket was not present at the accident sites.
Suspicion has been cast on the police investigation due to discrepancies in the FIR, such as the missing registration number and the names of the accused. The registration plates of the Audi, which are now in police custody, were reportedly found concealed beneath the seat.
Bawankule has called for a fair and thorough investigation.
“The law should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of their status. Those responsible should be held accountable,” he asserted. Bawankule confirmed that the Audi belonged to his son, Sanket.
CCTV footage shows that the Audi, after departing from the bar in Dharampeth, traveled at high speed for approximately 2 kilometers before causing a collision at Ramdaspeth and hitting several other vehicles. Following this, the car accelerated and crashed into another vehicle on the Mankapur flyover.
The noise from the crash attracted local Ganesha Mandal devotees, who, along with the injured, pursued and intercepted the car. Haore and Chinthamwar were subsequently beaten by the crowd and taken to Timki, 6 kilometers from Mankapur. Police from the Tehsil station later arrived, rescued them, and transported them to a hospital for medical attention. Senior inspector Chandrashekhar Chakate, however, described the incident as a “kirkol ghatna” (trivial event).
