MUMBAI: In a dramatic display of courage, a 20-year-old ITI student pushed his teenage friend out of harm’s way moments before a speeding police jeep rammed into him at Vile Parle West on Sunday night. The youth, identified as Raghuveer Prahlad Kumbhar, suffered multiple injuries but managed to save 15-year-old Gauri Satelkar, who escaped without harm.

Brave act averts tragedy on late-night walk

According to the Vile Parle police, the incident occurred around 12.35am when Raghuveer was returning home after a late-night walk along Sahaji Raje Road with neighbours Gauri and Harsh Patel. As the trio walked along the stretch, a police jeep reportedly came hurtling towards them at high speed.

“I saw the jeep coming straight at us. I pushed Gauri aside, but the vehicle hit me,” Raghuveer recounted. The impact flung him off his feet, leaving him with severe pain in his chest, thigh, leg and hand.

Raghuveer, a resident of Sati Prasad Society opposite D-Mart in Andheri West, said he acted on instinct, prioritising Gauri’s safety when he realised a collision was inevitable.

Constable allegedly flees after promising help

Raghuveer and his family alleged that the police jeep was being driven by a constable who appeared intoxicated. After the accident, the constable reportedly told the injured youth that he would follow him to the hospital. However, he fled the spot immediately, they claimed.

The family said they had recorded videos of the constable inside the jeep, stating that he appeared “heavily drunk” and unable to even step out of the vehicle.

Raghuveer’s younger brother, Bipin, rushed to the scene after being alerted by neighbours. He helped take Raghuveer to CritiCare Asia Hospital, where the injured youth received treatment and was later discharged. “I can’t sleep or sit properly. The constable should be punished,” Raghuveer said.

Police register FIR, initial medical test raises questions

The Vile Parle police have registered an FIR against the constable. Senior Inspector Gabaji Chimate confirmed that the case has been filed under:

  • Sections 134(A) and 134(B) of the Motor Vehicles Act — relating to duty of the driver in case of an accident
  • Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act — driving under the influence of alcohol
  • Sections 125(A) and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — relating to rash driving and negligence leading to endangerment

Police said a preliminary medical test conducted on the constable indicated that he was not drunk. However, his blood samples have been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed analysis, and the results are awaited.

Senior officials said they would examine video footage recorded by the family and cross-verify the testimonies before concluding whether the constable was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Incident raises concerns over police accountability

The case has sparked concerns about police conduct and road safety, especially in incidents involving law enforcement officials. Locals in the area said speeding along Sahaji Raje Road is common late at night and demanded stricter monitoring.

Raghuveer’s act of bravery has drawn praise from residents, who believe his quick thinking saved Gauri from potentially life-threatening injuries. The family, however, expressed fear that the case could be diluted unless strict action is taken.

“We just want justice. Raghuveer could have died,” said a relative.

Conclusion

The investigation continues as police await detailed blood test results and review video evidence. Meanwhile, Raghuveer is recovering at home, bearing the physical and emotional impact of a night that could have ended far worse if not for his timely intervention.