A serious road rage incident on Pune’s Katraj-Dehu Road bypass has left a 28-year-old HR executive from Chembur with a severe eye injury and uncertain vision. The woman was injured after her car was chased and attacked with stones by three men riding a two-wheeler, following an argument on the road.
What do we know about the incident?
According to police, the incident occurred on December 6 when Puja Gupta, an HR professional, and her fiancé were returning to Mumbai after visiting his parents in Gaikwadnagar, Punawale. Gupta was seated in the passenger seat while her fiancé was driving.
While overtaking a two-wheeler carrying three men on the Katraj–Dehu bypass, the car’s tyre allegedly ran over the foot of one of the riders. Though no serious injury was reported at the time, the incident
led to a heated argument. The men allegedly abused the couple, and one of them threw a stone at the car, shattering the windscreen.
Car chased and windows smashed
Fearing further trouble, the couple drove away. However, their car got stuck in traffic near the Punawale underpass. The three men chased them down and began pelting stones at the vehicle, smashing the side windows and the rear windscreen.
During the attack, a sharp piece of shattered glass struck Puja Gupta’s left eye, causing a serious injury. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Chinchwad.
Doctors carried out an emergency corneoscleral repair surgery to save her eye. More than a week after the operation, Gupta said she has not regained her vision. Doctors have warned that another surgery may be required if her condition does not improve. They have also said it is uncertain whether her eyesight will be fully restored, as blood has accumulated inside the injured eye.
Police action
Police detained the three alleged attackers and later released them after serving notices, in line with legal provisions. An FIR has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including wrongful restraint, rash and negligent acts endangering life, mischief, and intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace.
Victim seeks stricter action
Gupta has expressed disappointment over the action taken so far and has demanded that police add a charge of attempted murder. She said those responsible must be punished strictly so that such violent road rage incidents do not endanger others in the future.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176564508495953950.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176571153627940053.webp)
