The Bombay High Court has directed Pune police to file an FIR within 48 hours following a complaint alleging a brutal road rage assault on a man and his brother, which included religious abuse. The court strongly criticized the Khadak police for repeatedly refusing to register the case despite multiple requests from the petitioner.In its order, the HC instructed the Pune police commissioner to ensure adherence to legal procedures and to issue a show-cause notice to Khadak police station in-charge, Police Inspector Shashikant Chavan, demanding an explanation for the delay.
The court warned that if the explanation is inadequate, disciplinary action would be initiated against Chavan in line with service rules.The HC has set a deadline for a compliance report by October 6, 2025.A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and Gautam A Ankhad expressed sharp disapproval of Chavan’s conduct, noting that he submitted a leave note before the hearing and voluntarily avoided attending court to assist the additional public prosecutor. The judges highlighted that Chavan refused to register the FIR even during the court proceedings.
“What is surprising is that the FIR lists an attempt to murder charge against the petitioner, who, according to submitted photographs, was the victim of a brutal assault. Our judicial conscience is deeply disturbed by the Khadak police’s conduct,” the bench remarked, emphasizing the case warrants strict action against the officer.The incident reportedly occurred near a public road in Pune, triggered by a dispute over vehicle honking. The petitioner, Shohaib Sayyed, alleged he and his brother were assaulted and subjected to religious slurs by Harsh Keshwani, his relatives Karan, Bharat, and Girish Keshwani, and unidentified accomplices.
Photographs and medical records from Sassoon General Hospital documented five injuries, torn clothes, and severe trauma.A passerby is said to have recorded the assault on video. However, the assistant public prosecutor informed the court that the video was reportedly filmed by a member of the accused group, and an FIR in a counter case was registered at Khadak police station on April 27, 2025.Advocate Debajyoti Talukdar, representing the petitioner, contended that his client’s fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution were violated. “Despite clear medical evidence and repeated requests, Khadak police failed to act. This is not mere negligence—it reflects institutional bias,” Talukdar stated.
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