In a significant development in the Nagpur Audi hit-and-run case, the police have clarified that Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and his friends did not consume beef prior to the accident, contradicting earlier claims made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
On Wednesday, police officials confirmed that Bawankule and his friends, who crashed their Audi into multiple vehicles on Monday and injured two people, had not eaten beef at the restobar La Horee Deluxe Bar and Restaurant in Dharampeth. This clarification came after Raut alleged that Bawankule and his party had ordered beef cutlets among other items at the establishment before the crash. Raut’s statements led to a defamation case filed by the bar’s owner, Samir Sharma, against Raut at Sitabuldi police station.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Rahul Madane stated, “We have recovered the bill from the restobar, which clearly indicates that no beef was served.” The police investigation revealed that the group had consumed mutton roast, mutton curry, chicken tikka, and some vegetarian snacks, along with two bottles of liquor worth over ₹12,000.
Raut had earlier asserted that a bill from the bar found in the Audi included charges for alcohol, chicken, mutton, and beef cutlets. He questioned the BJP’s commitment to Hindu values in light of these allegations.
In the ongoing investigation, Arjun Hawre, 24, who was allegedly driving the car, has been arrested but later released on bail. Blood samples of Hawre and his friend, Ronit Chintamwar, 27, are being tested to determine if they were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The incident has intensified political controversy ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. Opposition parties have accused the ruling Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, of attempting to protect Bawankule’s family by shifting blame onto the driver. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare visited the accident site and the Sitabuldi police station, expressing concerns about the handling of the case and alleged pressure on the complainant, Jitendra Sonkamble, who is from a scheduled caste.
Sources By Agencies
