Tragic Accident Claims Life of 5-Year-Old Boy in Pune Residential Society
A heart-wrenching incident has shaken the residents of a plush residential society in Loni Kalbhor, Pune, where a five-year-old boy lost his life after being crushed by a speeding car. The tragic event occurred on January 19, 2026, at approximately 3:22 PM, as captured in chilling CCTV footage that has since gone viral across social media platforms.
Details of the Fatal Mishap
According to police reports, the young victim, identified as Nishkarsh Ashwat Swami, was playing on a kids' scooter within the premises of Joy Nest society. He had accompanied his grandmother downstairs for a routine play session when the unthinkable happened. A car, driven by Atharva Ramesh Kawade (22), knocked the boy down and ran over his body, leaving him in a pool of blood at the spot.
The driver, who had come to the society to drop off a friend, was returning in his vehicle when the accident occurred. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV evidence show that Kawade stopped the car immediately after the impact, and several citizens rushed to assist the injured child.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
The Loni Kalbhor police have taken swift action in this case. An FIR was lodged by the boy's father, Ashwat Narayan Swami (40), on January 20, leading to the booking of the accused driver under multiple legal provisions. Atharva Kawade faces charges under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) sections 106(1) for causing death due to negligence and 281 for rash driving, along with relevant sections of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Assistant Police Inspector Ankush Borate, the investigation officer, confirmed that a notice has been issued to Kawade as per legal procedure for further investigation. Kawade is reportedly a student at MIT college and resides at Ganga Heights on Mundhwa road.
Immediate Aftermath and Family Background
In a desperate attempt to save the child's life, the boy was immediately transported to a hospital in the accused's car. However, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival, dashing all hopes of survival.
The victim's family, originally hailing from Chitradurg in Karnataka, resides in a rented apartment within Joy Nest society. Nishkarsh's father works with a private company in Pune, adding to the profound personal and professional impact of this tragedy.
This incident has raised serious concerns about vehicular safety within residential complexes, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of speed limits and enhanced child protection measures in society premises.
