Tragic Hit-and-Run in Pune: Delivery Boy Dies After Being Struck by Allegedly Drunk Audi Driver

In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the ongoing issue of reckless driving in Pune, a food delivery executive named Rauf Shaikh lost his life after being struck by an Audi driven by a man suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. The devastating accident took place in the upscale Koregaon area of Pune shortly after midnight on Friday, around 1 a.m.

According to Pune Police, the chain of events began when the accused driver, identified as 34-year-old Ayush Tayal, collided with a two-wheeler, injuring three individuals. Following this initial collision, Tayal continued to drive recklessly, eventually crashing into Shaikh’s motorcycle. The force of the impact caused Shaikh to be thrown off his vehicle, resulting in severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash and rushed to the scene to find Shaikh lying on the ground, critically injured. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and he was transported to the nearest hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving his family and friends devastated by the loss.

In the aftermath of the accident, Tayal fled the scene, prompting a swift investigation by the Pune Police. Utilizing CCTV footage from nearby surveillance cameras, authorities were able to track the suspect back to his residence in Hadapsar. Officers apprehended him at home, where they began to piece together the details of the incident.

“The car driven by Tayal crashed into Shaikh’s bike. Although he fled, police used surveillance camera footage to identify the vehicle and locate him,” stated Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Pail. “This incident is a stark reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving and the need for accountability.”

Tayal, who is employed as a senior executive at a firm in Ranjangaon MIDC, has since undergone a medical examination to determine whether he was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that alcohol may have played a significant role in his erratic driving behavior.

In response to the tragedy, police have registered a case against Tayal under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide, rash driving, and endangering personal safety. Additional charges related to the Motor Vehicles Act have also been filed, reflecting the seriousness of the offense.

This incident is not an isolated case in Pune, which has seen a troubling rise in accidents caused by drunken and reckless driving. Earlier this year, on May 19, a 17-year-old driver operating a Porsche allegedly under the influence struck and killed two IT engineers, Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, in the Kalyani Nagar area. These recurring tragedies highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness regarding the dangers of drunk driving.

As the community mourns the loss of Rauf Shaikh, there is a growing call for action to address the root causes of these incidents. Local authorities are under pressure to implement measures that could help prevent future tragedies, including increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.

In the wake of this latest incident, friends and family of the victim have expressed their grief and outrage, urging authorities to take decisive action to ensure that justice is served and that such senseless loss of life is prevented in the future. As Pune grapples with the fallout from this tragedy, the hope remains that lessons will be learned, and steps will be taken to make the roads safer for everyone.