A 70-year-old man was brutally assaulted by a cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, after the driver accused him of spitting near his vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked outrage after a video of the assault went viral on social media. The victim, identified as Ramakant Gokhale, was allegedly punched and kicked by the driver, leading to injuries. The driver, later identified as Sandeep Patil, was arrested following intervention by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Incident Details
The assault took place in the Vartak Nagar area of Thane. According to police, Gokhale was standing near a bus stop when Patil accused him of spitting close to his cab. An argument ensued, during which Patil allegedly attacked Gokhale, pushing him to the ground and repeatedly hitting him. Bystanders tried to intervene, but the driver continued the assault before fleeing the scene. Gokhale was taken to a nearby hospital where he received treatment for bruises and a minor fracture.
Viral Video and CM's Response
A video of the assault was widely shared on social media, drawing condemnation from netizens. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took notice and directed the police to take immediate action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shinde said, "The incident in Thane is highly condemnable. I have instructed the police to arrest the accused and ensure strict action. Such behavior will not be tolerated." Following the CM's intervention, the Thane police tracked down Patil and arrested him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault and causing hurt.
Police Action and Public Reaction
The Thane police confirmed that Patil was arrested within hours of the CM's directive. Senior Inspector Sanjay Patil of Vartak Nagar police station said, "We registered a case based on the victim's complaint and arrested the accused. He has been remanded in police custody." The incident has sparked a debate about the rising incidents of road rage and violence in the city. Local residents expressed shock at the attack, with many calling for stricter penalties for such offenses. Gokhale's family appreciated the swift action by the authorities.
This case highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens in public spaces and the need for better civic behavior. The police have urged citizens to report any such incidents without delay.
