Pune Horror: Woman Drives 2km with Man on Bonnet at 60 kmph – What’s the Legal Fallout?

Pune: Woman drives man for 2km on bonnet at 60 kmph; video goes viral

Pune Horror: When a Simple Accident Turned into a 2km Nightmare

Imagine trying to stop someone after a minor collision, only to find yourself being dragged down a busy city road at highway speeds. This is the terrifying reality that unfolded in Pune on January 21, 2026, in an incident that has left the nation stunned. The phrase “Pune woman drives man on bonnet” has become a grim symbol of extreme road rage and the potential consequences of a moment of panic or anger.

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The Incident Unfolds: From Minor Collision to Major Crime

The day began like any other on the Sangamwadi road in Pune. However, it quickly descended into chaos when a woman’s car allegedly rammed into a bike. The cab driver, identified as Rathod, approached her vehicle to discuss the minor accident .

What happened next was nothing short of horrifying. Instead of stopping to address the situation, the woman reportedly accelerated, with Rathod desperately clinging to her car’s bonnet. According to police reports, she drove for nearly 2 kilometers at a speed of 50-60 kmph, all while the man pleaded with her to stop . The entire ordeal was captured on multiple CCTV cameras and bystander phones, and the video clips quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage .

Rathod, showing immense presence of mind and physical strength, managed to hold on for the entire terrifying journey before finally being able to jump off. He sustained a fractured hand and other injuries, but his survival is nothing short of miraculous given the circumstances .

Arrest and Charges: What the Law Says

The swift circulation of the video led to immediate action from the Pune Police. The woman, a 45-year-old resident of Baner who works for an NGO, was arrested on the same day .

Police have not treated this as a simple traffic violation. Given the severity and intent demonstrated by her actions, she has been booked under some of the most serious non-fatal charges in the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

  • Attempt to commit culpable homicide (Section 307 IPC): This is an extremely grave charge, indicating that her actions were seen as potentially life-threatening and intentional.
  • Rash and negligent driving (Section 279 IPC): For endangering the public by driving in a manner dangerous to human life.
  • Causing hurt by act endangering life (Section 337/338 IPC): For directly causing injury to Rathod through her reckless actions .

These charges move the incident far beyond a typical Pune hit-and-run case and into the realm of a deliberate, violent act.

This incident throws a harsh spotlight on India’s legal framework for dealing with dangerous drivers. While many assume a simple fine is the worst outcome, the law provides for much sterner punishments, especially when human life is endangered.

Under the current laws, the penalties can be severe:

Offense Relevant Law Potential Punishment
Rash Driving Section 279 IPC / Section 281 BNS Up to 6 months imprisonment, fine up to ₹1,000, or both .
Causing Hurt by Dangerous Act Section 337 IPC Up to 6 months imprisonment, fine up to ₹500, or both .
Causing Grievous Hurt by Dangerous Act Section 338 IPC Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both .
Attempt to Murder Section 307 IPC Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine. If hurt is caused, it can extend to life imprisonment .

In this specific case, the charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide (Section 307) is the most significant. As noted by legal experts, this section is reserved for acts where there is a clear intention or knowledge that the act is likely to cause death . The fact that the police have invoked this charge speaks volumes about how they view the driver’s state of mind during the incident.

Broader Implications for Road Safety in Urban India

Beyond the legal battle for this one woman, the “Pune woman drives man on bonnet” incident is a stark reminder of the growing crisis of road rage and aggressive driving in India’s congested cities. A recent government initiative aims to crack down on reckless drivers by mandating psychological tests for repeat offenders, highlighting a systemic issue .

For everyday citizens, this event underscores a few critical points:

  1. De-escalation is key: In any minor accident, the priority should be safety and calling the authorities, not confrontation.
  2. Video evidence is powerful: The rapid arrest in this case was directly due to the viral video, proving the importance of dashcams and bystander footage.
  3. The law can be severe: Drivers must understand that their actions behind the wheel carry significant legal weight, especially if they endanger others.

For more on citizen safety, you can refer to resources from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Every Driver

The shocking events in Pune are more than just a viral news story; they are a profound wake-up call. The image of a man being driven for 2km on a car bonnet is a visceral symbol of what can happen when anger and recklessness take control. The legal consequences facing the accused are severe and well-deserved, serving as a crucial deterrent. Ultimately, this incident must push us all to reflect on our own behavior on the road and champion a culture of patience, responsibility, and respect for human life.

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