Gurugram witnessed a shocking incident in the early hours of Thursday when a Special Police Officer (SPO) was dragged along the bonnet of a speeding car for over 70 metres, resulting in injuries to both the officer and a constable who were on routine patrol. The driver, identified as 34-year-old Abhinav Chaudhary, a software engineer from Greater Noida, was immediately apprehended by the police and an FIR has been registered at Sadar Police Station in connection with the case. Both injured personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment and are currently under medical observation.

The incident occurred around 1:00 am, when Constable Shyam and SPO Satish were part of Rider 17, a patrol unit operating under Sadar Police Station. The officers were performing routine checks near a CNG station in Subhash Chowk, a busy area of Gurugram, when the incident took a violent turn. According to the police, a Verna car, driven by Chaudhary, collided with their motorcycle near Yaduvanshi School. The collision caused the constable to be thrown into a green belt, while SPO Satish was flung onto the windshield of the car.

Despite the collision and the presence of the officer on the car, Chaudhary did not stop. The vehicle continued to speed forward, dragging SPO Satish for an estimated distance of 70 metres along the road. It was only when Chaudhary noticed the approaching mobile van of the Station House Officer (SHO) that he finally brought the vehicle to a halt. The sheer recklessness of the driver, coupled with the severe risk posed to law enforcement officers, prompted immediate action by the police.

Chaudhary was arrested at the scene by the patrol officers. Reports indicate that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, which likely contributed to his dangerous behavior. The police have also revealed that Chaudhary is a habitual offender. He was previously involved in a similar incident in 2018, during which he had collided with a police barricade in the Dabua Police Station area of Faridabad. His history of reckless driving and disregard for law enforcement authorities made him a high-risk individual in the eyes of the police.

Following his arrest, Chaudhary was presented before a city court on Thursday and remanded into judicial custody. His vehicle has been seized pending further investigation. Police officials have confirmed that a detailed inquiry is underway to understand the sequence of events that led to this dangerous encounter and to determine any additional legal action that may be taken against him.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding traffic safety and law enforcement protocols, especially during late-night patrols in busy urban areas. Police officials emphasized the challenges faced by on-duty personnel when dealing with drivers under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Rider 17, the unit under which the injured officers were patrolling, is specifically tasked with conducting late-night checks and ensuring the safety of commuters and law enforcement staff. Despite their training and precautions, officers often face life-threatening situations from reckless drivers, as illustrated in this case.

The injuries sustained by the officers were primarily due to the initial collision with the motorcycle and the subsequent drag along the car’s bonnet. Constable Shyam, who was thrown into the green belt, suffered minor injuries, while SPO Satish, who was partially hanging on the bonnet and windshield, sustained more serious abrasions and bruises. Both were stabilized at the hospital, and authorities reported that their condition is currently stable. The incident underscores the extreme risks faced by police officers during routine patrols, especially when dealing with intoxicated or habitual offenders.

Police officials have also highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding road safety, particularly the dangers of driving under the influence. Drunk driving remains a significant cause of accidents and injuries across the country, and incidents like the one in Gurugram serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such reckless behavior. Authorities have reiterated the legal and moral responsibilities of drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and comply with traffic regulations to ensure the safety of themselves, pedestrians, and law enforcement officers.

The arrest of Chaudhary at the scene demonstrates the vigilance and quick response of the Gurugram police force. By promptly apprehending the offender, the authorities were able to prevent further harm and initiate an investigation into his prior offenses. Seizure of the vehicle is a standard procedure in such cases, ensuring that it cannot be used for further illegal activities while the investigation continues. The police have also indicated that they will examine any potential lapses in law enforcement protocol to strengthen future patrol operations and enhance officer safety during high-risk interventions.

The case has already drawn attention from local authorities and residents, highlighting concerns about public safety on city roads during late-night hours. Gurugram, a fast-growing urban center with heavy traffic, faces frequent challenges related to reckless driving, speeding, and alcohol-related incidents. The police have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, more frequent sobriety checks, and increased public cooperation to reduce the risk of such dangerous encounters.

SPO Satish and Constable Shyam’s quick reporting of the incident enabled the immediate apprehension of the offender. Law enforcement officials praised their presence of mind and dedication, which likely prevented the incident from resulting in more severe injuries or fatalities. The incident is now being investigated comprehensively, including the collection of CCTV footage from nearby establishments, eyewitness accounts, and forensic analysis of the scene. The police are expected to file additional charges against Chaudhary under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicle Act, including attempt to cause grievous harm, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

This alarming incident also raises broader questions about the prevalence of habitual offenders in urban areas. Chaudhary’s prior record of reckless driving incidents, coupled with his continued disregard for law enforcement, points to the need for stricter monitoring and intervention strategies for repeat offenders. Authorities may consider more rigorous checks, community awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties to deter individuals with a history of dangerous driving behaviors from putting public safety at risk.

In conclusion, the late-night incident at Subhash Chowk in Gurugram, where a drunk driver dragged an on-duty police officer over 70 metres on the car’s bonnet, highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel and the urgent need for responsible driving practices. The prompt arrest of the offender, judicial remand, and seizure of the vehicle are critical steps in ensuring accountability and preventing further incidents. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to take stringent action against the driver while reinforcing safety protocols for police patrols and public roads. This case serves as a stark reminder to drivers of the severe consequences of driving under the influence and underscores the importance of vigilance, law enforcement, and public cooperation in maintaining road safety.