Pune Road Rage: A road rage incident on the Katra–Dehu Road bypass in Pune has left a 28-year-old Mumbai-based HR professional with a serious eye injury. The incident, which took place on December 6, involved three bikers who allegedly chased the victim’s car and attacked it with stones.
The victim, Pooja Gupta, a resident of Chembur, was travelling with her fiancé after visiting his parents in Gaikwadnagar, Punawale. They were returning to Mumbai when the incident unfolded.
Argument Escalates Into Attack
According to the complaint, the trouble began while overtaking, when the car’s tyre brushed against one biker’s leg. Though the biker was not injured, the situation quickly escalated. The three bikers allegedly stopped the car, argued with the couple and verbally abused them.
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During the altercation, one of the bikers reportedly hurled a stone at the car’s front windscreen, shattering it. Fearing for their safety, Pooja’s fiancé drove away. However, the car soon got stuck in traffic near the Punawale underpass.
Glass Shards Cause Eye Injury
The bikers allegedly caught up with the car and continued the attack, smashing the rear windscreen and other windows. During this second assault, a sharp piece of broken glass pierced Pooja’s left eye, causing severe damage.
She was rushed to a private hospital in Chinchwad, where doctors performed emergency corneoscleral repair surgery to save her eye.
More than a week after the surgery, Pooja’s eyesight has not improved. Doctors have now indicated that a second surgery may be required, though they have not assured full recovery. Medical experts have cited internal bleeding in the eye as a major concern.
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Police Action Sparks Anger
Police registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including wrongful restraint, negligent acts endangering life, rioting and provocation of breach of peace. The three accused were detained but later released after being served notices, as per legal procedure.
Pooja has expressed strong anger over the decision, saying the accused should have been booked for attempted murder. She has demanded stricter action, stating that releasing the attackers sends the wrong message and puts others at risk.
The investigation is ongoing.