A 20-year-old man from Uttarakhand was taken into custody by Pune Police on Saturday afternoon after he allegedly stole a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus from the premises of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) building. The youth then drove the bus through the bustling city streets before being intercepted by authorities near Gokhale Memorial Square on Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Key Details of the Incident
The bus, which operates on the Wagholi-Pune Municipal Building route, was reportedly left with its ignition key in the vehicle by the driver, who had been reassigned to another route. The young man, who was present at the PMC terminus at the time, seized the opportunity to start the bus and embark on what has been described as a joyride. He proceeded along Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road, heading towards Gokhale Memorial Square, where a public event was underway. Police personnel, who were on duty for the event, were alerted to the stolen bus and acted swiftly to intercept it, apprehending the youth. According to police, the detained individual appeared to be disturbed and was unable to provide coherent answers to their questions.
Previous Incidents and Security Concerns
This incident has drawn parallels to a tragic road mishap in Pune in 2012, when a state transport bus was hijacked and driven recklessly, resulting in nine fatalities. The recent event has once again brought to the forefront concerns regarding the security protocols and operational control of PMPML buses. Questions are being raised about potential lapses in supervision and safety measures at public transport depots, particularly concerning the accessibility of vehicle keys.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances under which the youth gained access to the bus and the motive behind his actions. A case has been registered against him under the Motor Vehicles Act and other relevant provisions of law. Preliminary investigations suggest the youth may have been under the influence of alcohol, and police are looking into his medical history and background. His mother, contacted by the police, stated that he had traveled to Mumbai in search of a driver’s job and expressed surprise at his presence in Pune. The Shivajinagar police station will be taking over the investigation from the Deccan Gymkhana police.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
