Pune: Rahul Ashok Waghmare, the police officer who assaulted a PMP bus driver on Bund Garden Road, has been suspended.
The incident had occurred at 9:40 AM near Wadia College when the officer attempted to overtake the bus but was thwarted by ongoing roadwork. Enraged, he blocked the bus with his motorcycle and physically assaulted the driver.
The assault, despite the officer being in uniform, was captured on video and went viral on social media, leading to widespread criticism and calls for action.
Waghmare is assigned to the motor transport department. On the morning of the incident, he was returning home after his night shift when he felt the PMP bus driver, Bhagwat Bapurao Torane, cut him off.
Angered, Waghmare blocked the bus, boarded it, and assaulted Torane. The video of the incident drew significant backlash, resulting in Waghmare’s suspension by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohidas Pawar.
Despite knowing the legal procedures, Waghmare chose to assault the driver instead of taking legal action.
His actions were deemed a misuse of his position, and his behavior was criticized as undisciplined and irresponsible, tarnishing the police force's image. Consequently, he was suspended from duty starting July 21.
Initially, Waghmare and Torane reached a compromise. Waghmare apologized and compensated Torane with three thousand rupees, leading Torane not to file a complaint.
However, public outcry over Waghmare's actions prompted senior officials to take serious notice, resulting in his suspension.