Artist has narrow escape as van rams car

VADODARA: One of Vadodara'' well-knownartists on Tuesday got a taste of how the police handle accidentcases.Painter Rekha was driving her Maruti Zen near Lal Baug around6 pm when a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) van GJ 17 G5010) bumped into therear end of her car, damaging it badly. Instead of helping her, thepolicemen abandoned the van and disappeared from the scene, after abusing theartist.Rodwittiya however stood her ground and refused to move hercar unless a compliant was registered. "Even as I insisted that theSRPF own up responsibility for the mishap, the driver and other occupants of thevan first ''negotiated'' something with the traffic police and then left thescene," alleged the artist."The van rammed into my carwhile trying to push its way through a convoy of vehicles on the main road. Ifnot for my presence of mind, the van would have completely crushed my car. Evenas the van began to cascade onto my car, I had to manoeuvre my car to move awayfrom the bulky van. Luckily, only the rear end of my car was crushed, giving mean opportunity to save my life," recounted Rodwittiya."What isannoying is the attitude the police. If passers-by were mute spectators, thetraffic police and the inspector who came settle the matter were abusive and oflittle help. All of them, in fact, suggested that I leave the spot withoutcreating scene," lamented Rodwittiya.Meanwhile, SRPF representativePSI Ajay Bapodra said, "We heard about the accident and I came to enquire. TheSRPF team was ferrying dinner for their personnel. We have asked the driver tosubmit himself before the Makarapura police station."Rodwittiyameanwhile filed an FIR the Makarapura police station.