Nagpur

On Tuesday, Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madane clarified that Sanket Bawankule, son of the state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, was not driving the Audi involved in a recent crash. The vehicle collided with multiple cars and injured at least two people.

DCP Madane stated that both Sanket Bawankule and the arrested driver, Arjun Haware, had their blood samples taken for testing. Initial findings suggest that Sanket may have been intoxicated, but this will be confirmed once the medical reports are in.

The incident occurred early Monday morning around 12:35 a.m. in Ramdaspeth. CCTV footage shows the Audi, carrying Sanket and four others, speeding and crashing into Jitendra Sonkamble’s car, then hitting a two-wheeler and other vehicles before stopping a short distance away. The group was reportedly returning from a bar in Dharampeth.

The crash has sparked political controversy, with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders accusing the MahaYuti government of handling the case leniently due to Sanket’s connection. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe criticized the removal of the car’s number plate and questioned the investigation’s thoroughness. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Sushma Andhare also alleged that the authorities are protecting the culprits and called for strict action.