Maharashtra: Speeding cop arrested for knocking off couple on bike

Victims Arvind and Surekha Save

A Dahanu-based assistant police inspector was arrested by the Vangaon Police in a hit-and-run case on Saturday morning. Sources said that the officer was speeding in his car, and hit a senior citizen couple, who was on their bike.

The police officer has been identified as Suhas H Kharmate. The accident victims Arvind Harishchandra Save, 64, and wife Surekha Arvind Save, 58, are residents of Tarapur in Palghar. While Arvind is out of danger, Surekha is currently in critical condition.

According to the victims' son Nevil Save, the incident occurred at Chinchni Tarapur Bypass road at 9.30 pm on Friday night. "My parents were returning from a relative's place, where they had gone to celebrate Diwali. Kharmate who was speeding, hit their bike from behind, and immediately fled the scene."

Since it was an isolated spot, the couple couldn't get help. "My father somehow managed to call his sister, and the family rushed to the spot and took them to local hospital, from where they were shifted to Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle," he added.

API Suhas H Kharmate, who was speeding, hit the couple, who was on their bike, from behind. Pics/Hanif Patel

On Saturday morning, doctors operated on Surekha, who suffered severe head injuries. She is still unconscious, and her condition continues to be critical.

Speaking with mid-day, Prakash Gaikwad, additional superintendent of Palghar district, confirmed the development. "We have registered an FIR against API Suhas H Kharmate, and have arrested him under various sections of the IPC. Due to negligence of duty, we have also suspended him from his service," he said.