WATCH: Illegal Horse-Cart Race Disrupts Busy Traffic On Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, 4 Arrested

An illegal horse-cart race caused chaos on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway on Sunday afternoon. Witnesses captured the reckless event on camera, revealing a group of six horse-drawn carts, each pulled by two horses. The race participants mercilessly whipped the animals to force them into high-speeds. The incident took place on the recently inaugurated Versova bridge, causing major inconvenience to other road users. A video of the same is going viral on social media. A case was registered against four individuals for causing pain, suffering or injury to an animal at Dindoshi Police Station on June 18. The accused organised a horse race without licenses for horse riding. 

Mayhem on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway

According to the FIR, Bhaven Gathani (37), a resident of Goregaon and Chairman of the Animal Friends Organisation, received information that a horse riding race would take place in Goregaon East on June 18. Bhaven Gathani and his colleague went to the area. As stated by the complainant, they witnessed two horse carriages crossing a bridge from Goregaon West to Goregaon East at a high speed around 3.30 PM on June 18. Each carriage was pulled by two horses and drivers were observed vigorously whipping and driving the carriages. The carriages were driven in the middle of the road without regard for the horses' and human safety. Bhavesh Gathani and his colleague intercepted the horse carriages at Lucky Hote, Goregaon East and requested to see the driver's licenses, but both drivers failed to produce them. Additionally, a large group of motorcyclists followed the carts, drinking beer and littering the road with empty bottles.

(HP Live News shared the video on Twitter that can be viewed below)

The bikers, none of whom wore helmets, performed dangerous stunts, while female supporters stood on moving motorcycles, exhilarated by the event. Amid the chaos, one of the youths fell from a bike. Shockingly, no policemen were present on the road to control the situation.

The revelers showed complete disregard for other vehicles seeking passage on the busy stretch, effectively occupying the entire highway. The sheer number of participants deterred anyone from intervening. Travellers from Dahisar to Vasai faced significant problems as all lanes were seized by the race attendees.

FIR registered against 4 accused

Consequently, Bhavesh Gathani filed a case against four individuals. The accused individuals have been identified as Rasal Jasinto (40), Lari Jasinto (30), Bhaskar Vaish (20) and Dilip Dakwa (27). The case was registered under sections 279, 289, 336, and 34 of the IPC Act as well as section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The charges include cruel treatment of horses by whipping and negligent driving of a horse carriage causing a danger to human life.

Animal Rights Activist and Illegal Racing

Vijay Mohanani, an animal rights activist, highlighted that both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court have banned the commercial use of horse carriages. Nevertheless, such carriages are still spotted near sea beaches in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts.

Authorities have received numerous complaints regarding these illegal practices, particularly in the Uran and Alibaug areas, but they have not been adequately addressed. These races are driven by illicit betting activities, facilitated by the complicity of government officials, he said.

Authorities Respond

Devidas Handore, a traffic inspector from MBVV police, stated that seven horse-carts participated in the race, all originating from Mumbai. The riders claimed to have come from Malad, but their connection with the bikers is yet to be determined. Handore assured that the movements of the participants are being monitored, and appropriate action will be taken against them.