In a case that dragged on for nearly a decade, a Thane sessions court convicted 52-year-old Ramesh Shitkar for assaulting a traffic police constable during a heated road rage incident in 2016. The court sentenced him to a symbolic one-day imprisonment, citing his deteriorating health and family obligations, along with a fine of Rs 10,000.
The incident took place on November 18, 2016, at the bustling Cadbury signal in Thane, where traffic constable Dilip Pawar attempted to stop Shitkar's speeding car. According to court records, Shitkar halted his vehicle abruptly in the middle of the road, hurled verbal abuses at Pawar, and then repeatedly slapped him, escalating a routine traffic stop into a public altercation.
The assault prompted an immediate FIR at Rabodi police station under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code. Charges of intentional insult under section 504, however, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Additional Sessions Judge G T Pawar, in the July 31 order made public on Wednesday, emphasized a balanced approach. The court reviewed testimonies from seven prosecution witnesses, who confirmed that Pawar was attacked while performing his duties. "The evidence clearly establishes the accused’s guilt in assaulting a public servant," Judge Pawar noted, dismissing the defense’s claim that Shitkar was falsely accused following a scuffle with a rickshaw driver who allegedly intervened. The court found no evidence, such as damage to Shitkar’s car, to support the defense’s narrative.
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Despite the conviction, the judge opted for leniency. Shitkar, now battling health issues and supporting a family, showed remorse during the trial, which spanned nine years due to procedural delays and backlog in the judicial system. “Given the accused’s conduct, his medical condition, and the minor nature of the injury caused, a nominal sentence is appropriate,” the court stated. The one-day imprisonment was served immediately upon sentencing, effectively time already spent in court.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in India’s judicial system, where even straightforward cases can take years to resolve. It also underscores the judiciary’s attempt to balance accountability with compassion, especially for first-time offenders with mitigating circumstances. The Rs 10,000 fine is intended to serve as a deterrent, while the minimal jail term acknowledges Shitkar’s personal hardships.
The incident has sparked local discussions about road rage and respect for law enforcement, with some residents calling for stricter penalties to protect public servants, while others argue that health and family considerations should indeed influence sentencing. As Thane’s roads grow busier, such incidents remain a stark reminder of the need for civility and patience behind the wheel.
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