Drunk and on phone, banker crushes couple to death in Nagpur

NAGPUR: A middle-aged couple returning home after attending a family function died after an allegedly drunk bank manager rammed his speeding car into their two-wheeler shortly after Wednesday midnight on Besa Chowk to Purushottam Bazar Chowk road.The deceased have been identified as Vijay Savarkar (53) and his wife, Surekha (48), residents of Harihar Nagar. According to the FIR registered, the complainant, Nitin Kalambe (30), son-in-law of the deceased, stated that the car driven by accused Pankaj Dekate (47), a bank manager, collided head-on with the two-wheeler. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the two-wheeler badly mangled and debris scattered across the road. Police sources indicate that Dekate was under the influence of alcohol and was reportedly distracted while looking at his mobile phone leading to reckless and negligent driving. The couple had no chance to react to the oncoming car that allegedly swerved into their path, a local source said.The impact was so severe that the couple suffered grievous injuries and passers-by rushed them to Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where they were declared dead. The FIR has been registered under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Motor Vehicles Act for drunk and negligent driving. Forensic experts were called to the spot and electronic evidence collection has been completed. The vehicle has been seized, and investigation is underway to confirm blood alcohol levels and mobile usage at the time of the accident.Beltarodi police officials confirmed that the accused has been arrested, and a detailed probe, including CCTV footage analysis, witness statements and forensic reports, is in progress.