Thane: The Thane Sessions Court, while granting bail to an auto-rickshaw driver accused of ramming into an on-duty traffic constable, came down heavily on the city’s rickshaw drivers, calling them the “prime violators of traffic norms.”
“On perusal of medical certificate issued by Bethany Hospital, the left shoulder came to be immobilized for six weeks. Victim was admitted in hospital at 9.15 p.m. with deformity in left shoulder. Considering various applications submitted by brother of accused to the Commissioner of police that informant had consumed liquor, however, in medical certificate it is not mentioned that patient was under influence of liquor. Considering all facts in total, I do not find substance in false implication by police. This cannot be a modus-operandi of a government servant to cause fracture on his own to obtain. It is observation of public at large in regard to violation of traffic rules by all rickshawala. Knowing well, it cannot be a conclusion of Court, however, there is substance in observation of common man and pedestrians of Thane,” the court’s order copy read.
The case pertains to Hemant Santosh Sharma, an auto-rickshaw driver arrested in connection with a June 11 incident, where a rickshaw allegedly struck DCP (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat while he was managing traffic outside the MG Hector showroom on Ghodbunder Road. The officer suffered a dislocated shoulder and had to be admitted to Bethany Hospital.
The incident occurred when the officer attempted to stop the rickshaw, reportedly overloaded with passengers. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly hit the officer and fled the scene. A bystander, Prathamesh Shinde, followed the vehicle and noted its registration number, which led to the identification of the accused.
Sharma, represented by advocate K.K. Mishra, argued in court that the officer had falsely implicated him, claiming the injuries were self-inflicted to gain favour during appraisal season. The defence further alleged that the officer was intoxicated and had fallen on his own.
However, Additional Sessions Judge G.G. Bhansali in its orders stated, “The prosecution, led by API and prosecution , pointed to the mobile location records placing Sharma at the scene and presented a medical certificate confirming the officer’s injury. They also revealed that Sharma’s rickshaw had accumulated e-challans worth Rs 1.49 lakh for rash and negligent driving since February 2022, of which only Rs 4,050 had been paid."
The court ultimately granted bail with strict conditions, directing the accused to deposit 50% of the outstanding fine amount (Rs 72,475) with the Traffic Department or Government of Maharashtra. The court further have granted the bail on cash surety of Rs 30,000.
