Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Father-Son Trio Assault Traffic Cops After Signal Violation at Bhagwan Mahavir Chowk

A routine traffic check turned violent when a father and his sons allegedly assaulted traffic police officers who had stopped them for jumping a signal. The incident occurred at Bhagwan Mahavir Chowk, where the accused—identified as Pankaj Nagorao Khandare, along with his sons Akshay and Yogesh—reportedly misbehaved with officials on duty. The trio not only resisted the action but also grabbed the officers by their collars, displayed cash, and made offensive remarks. They allegedly went as far as threatening to get the officers suspended, escalating what began as a simple traffic violation into a serious law-and-order issue.

According to police sources, Sub-Inspector Gore, constable Yogesh Chaudhary, and their team from the cantonment traffic division were performing their duties at the junction on April 18. Around 8 pm, the accused were travelling in a tempo traveller from the District and Sessions Court towards the cantonment area when they violated a traffic signal. The officers stopped their vehicle and instructed them to move it aside. However, instead of complying, the men halted the vehicle in the middle of the busy intersection and began arguing loudly, questioning the authority of the police to impose fines.

As the officers attempted to calm the situation and explain the rules, the confrontation intensified. The father and one son allegedly caught hold of the officers’ collars and pushed them, while another son reportedly attempted to physically attack a constable. During the altercation, the accused called in the third son, who also joined in and allegedly assaulted the officers. The situation quickly spiralled out of control as the trio continued their aggressive behaviour, disrupting traffic and creating panic among bystanders present at the crowded square.

In a further escalation, the accused reportedly waved currency notes at the officers, made inappropriate remarks about women, and issued threats of suspension. Upon receiving information about the disturbance, Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Mirde rushed to the spot. The three accused were taken into custody and brought to the police station, where legal action was initiated based on a complaint filed by constable Chaudhary. Police revealed that one of the sons runs a gym, while another is involved in a water supply business. The cantonment police are continuing their investigation into the case.

The incident has added to growing concerns over repeated attacks on police personnel in the city. Officials noted that since February, this is the sixth such case of assault on police officers. Earlier, a couple had attacked officers at the High Court signal, and another incident in CIDCO involved a family assaulting police staff. The recurring nature of these attacks over the past three months has raised serious questions about public discipline and respect for law enforcement authorities.