Pune: In a tragic incident late Tuesday night, a police officer lost his life after being run over by a truck during a routine checkpoint operation at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk, near the Chakan junction on the Mumbai-Pune highway.
The incident occurred around 9:15 PM. The deceased has been identified as Mithun Dhende, 41, a resident of Uruli Kanchan in Pune. Dhende was attached to the Vadgaon Maval Police Station and was known for his dedication and sincerity toward his duty.
According to police sources, the truck involved in the accident fled the scene shortly after the incident. It was later found abandoned in a parking lot within the Chakan MIDC area. A search operation has been launched to trace and apprehend the absconding driver.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the police force. What makes the incident even more heartbreaking is that it occurred just a night before Dhende’s birthday.
Colleagues and senior officers have expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of the dedicated officer. An investigation is currently underway, and further details are awaited.