Man Arrested in Pune for Drunken Driving Attempted to Set Police Officers on Fire

In a shocking incident in Pune, a 32-year-old man, Sanjay Fakirba Salve, was arrested after allegedly attempting to set two police officers on fire following a drunken driving arrest. The incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Friday at the Faraskhana Traffic Division office in Budhwar Peth.

According to the FIR filed by police havaldar Samir Prakash Sawant, 38, Salve, a resident of Pimpri Chinchwad and a native of Jalna district, was detained for riding a two-wheeler while intoxicated. During a routine traffic violation check, Salve failed a breath analyzer test and was brought to the Faraskhana Traffic Division office.

In a desperate attempt to avoid legal action, Salve allegedly manhandled Sawant and snatched the e-challan machine. He then reportedly threw fuel from a bottle at Sawant and assistant police inspector Shailaja Jankar, attempting to ignite them with a lighter. Fortunately, other police personnel at the scene managed to apprehend Salve before he could cause any harm.

Salve has been booked under Sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Sections 184 and 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. He was produced before a court in Pune and remanded to police custody for one day for further investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rohidas Pawar confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the type of fuel Salve used and its source. The investigating officer, Deepali Bhujbal, noted that Salve works as a tanker driver, which may have contributed to his access to the fuel.

This incident underscores the dangers and severe consequences of drunken driving and violent behavior towards law enforcement officers.