Nagpur: Runner hit by car after asking driver to slow down near WCL headquarters

Nagpur: A car driver who was told to drive properly after speeding down a road turned on the person who had advised him, ramming a man who was out running. The driver came from behind and hit the man who had cautioned him, injuring him. The incident took place near the WCL headquarters in Civil Lines. It has raised questions about motorists' arbitrary conduct on the road and their disregard for the safety of others. Sadar police have registered a case against the driver and his associate.

Aloke Agrawal, 44, a resident of Ramdaspeth, was out running on the morning of October 29 with his friend Dr Anil Trivedi. The two were passing in front of Mother Dairy, near the WCL headquarters, when the driver of a car bearing registration number MH-14-CC-6685 sped past, driving rashly. Seeing the speed of the car and the driver's carelessness, Agrawal feared an accident. He called out and advised the driver to drive properly. The two friends then continued their run.

The driver, however, took the advice as a slight to his pride. He came from behind and hit Agrawal with the left side of the car. Agrawal was injured in the unexpected collision. The very carelessness he had cautioned the driver against had made him its victim. After the collision, the driver fled the spot with his associate.

Agrawal suffered injuries to his waist and neck, and Dr Trivedi took him to hospital for treatment. On Agrawal's complaint, Sadar police registered a case against the driver and his associate and began an investigation. Police are trying to trace the absconding accused.

Advising someone to drive safely is not an offence, but the allegation of ramming a person in response to such advice is serious, both for road safety and for law and order.