Navi Mumbai: Khalapur police in Raigad confirmed the SUV driver who grazed the car of NCP(SP) member of parliament (MP) Supriya Sule near Madap tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Saturday was not under the influence of alcohol after it was confirmed by his medical test. Sachin Pawar, senior inspector of Khalapur, said, “After the medical test of the accused SUV driver identified as Divyesh Sheth (24) at the Chowk Primary Health Care (PHC) centre in Khalapur, prima facie it has been reported that he was not under the influence of alcohol. But the opinion has been kept reserved. Hence, the accused’s blood sample will be sent to Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory (KFSL) for seeking a chemical analysis report. As of now, we have not invoked relevant section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act for drunk driving. The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the BNS and the Motor Vehicle Act for rash and negligent driving. As per the provision of the law, the accused SUV driver has been served with a notice under Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for cooperating in the police investigation whenever summoned for inquiry and to remain present in court when summoned.”Inspector Pawar said, “The accused SUV driver was accompanied by his four friends who had come from Gujarat for a picnic in Lonavala. The mishap occurred while they were returning to Gujarat when they had reached near the 29-km mark before the Madap tunnel after crossing the Khalapur toll plaza. The SUV driver claimed that he lost control over his wheels while overtaking and grazed the car ahead.”Following the mishap, MP Supriya Sule had posted on her X handle on Saturday, mentioning that, “While travelling from Pune to Mumbai today, I had an awful experience on the highway when vehicle…rammed into my car from the side due to reckless driving. Thankfully, everyone is safe. Incidents like these are a serious reminder that overspeeding and negligence on our roads can put countless lives at risk. I urge everyone to wear seat belts, remain alert, and drive responsibly so that our highways are safer for all.“
