Mumbai Night Terror: Businessman's Reckless Escape Leaves Police, Civilian Injured

A late-night attempt to evade a police nakabandi (roadblock) in Mumbai escalated into a terrifying hit-and-run, leaving two dedicated police constables and a civilian with serious injuries. The dramatic incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, casting a stark light on the dangers faced by law enforcement officials and the reckless abandon of some motorists.

The accused, identified as 45-year-old businessman Haresh Shirish Shah, was behind the wheel of a luxury white Porsche Cayenne when he encountered a routine police nakabandi on the Sion-Dharavi Link Road.

Around 12:45 AM, police officers signaled for Shah to stop, but instead of complying, he allegedly floored the accelerator, initiating a dangerous high-speed chase through the city's dark streets.

In his desperate attempt to flee, Shah’s vehicle slammed into Police Constable Pandharinath Bhalerao, 46, who was on duty.

The force of the impact flung Bhalerao onto the Porsche’s bonnet before he was thrown violently to the ground. Unfazed by the injured officer, Shah continued his perilous flight.

Moments later, near the bustling Priyadarshani Circle, the speeding Porsche struck again. This time, the victims were another police constable, Sandesh Mandlik, 30, and a 40-year-old civilian pedestrian, Shantaram Katkar.

Both individuals suffered injuries as Shah’s vehicle careened past, leaving a trail of chaos and concern.

The trail of the hit-and-run driver eventually led authorities to a petrol pump situated near Suman Nagar, where the luxurious Porsche Cayenne was found abandoned. Shah, believing he had successfully eluded capture, had fled the scene on foot.

However, the diligent efforts of the Sion police quickly narrowed down his whereabouts.

Shah was subsequently apprehended at his residence in Chembur, a swift end to his reckless dash through the city. The three injured victims were rushed for medical attention. Constable Bhalerao sustained a severe head injury and remains in critical condition, having been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Constable Mandlik suffered a fracture to his left leg, while civilian Shantaram Katkar was fortunate to escape with relatively minor injuries.

Authorities have charged Haresh Shirish Shah with a formidable list of offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 279 (rash driving), Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), and Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Additionally, relevant sections of the Motor Vehicle Act have been invoked. The Sion police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the harrowing incident.