MLC's PA held for drunk driving after hitting bike and pickup van in Nagpur on Dussehra night

A personal assistant (PA) to a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) has been arrested in Nagpur on the charge of causing two accidents in a row while driving drunk on Dussehra night. A court has sent him to judicial custody.

The accused has been identified as Ketan Hivanj. He was returning home to Godhani from a party when his speeding car hit a two-wheeler near Samvidhan Chowk. The impact was so severe that the motorcyclist, Rahil Shakil Sheikh, a 28-year-old delivery executive, was thrown onto the road and suffered serious head injuries.

Rahil is the sole earner in his family. His condition is said to be critical and he is being treated at a private hospital.

According to officials, Hivanj did not stop to help the injured man and sped away. Soon afterwards, while heading towards the flyover, his car rammed into a pickup van near Kasturchand Park. The car stopped after this second collision, giving the police a chance to catch him.

Officers of Sitabuldi police station reached the spot and took Hivanj into custody. Police said the accused was badly drunk and could not even stand properly. A later medical examination at a government hospital confirmed the presence of alcohol in his blood sample.

A case has been registered against him under the relevant sections of law. These relate to rash and negligent driving, causing hurt by endangering life, failing to help an injured person and drunk driving. Hivanj was produced before a local court on Wednesday, which sent him to judicial custody.

The accident took place during the Dussehra and Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrations, when city roads see heavy movement of people. Reckless driving on such an occasion is a serious concern for public safety.