26/11 hero traffic policeman’s leg crushed by escaping motorcyclist
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MUMBAI: This is how Mumbai honoured Ashok Pawar, 48, who fought terrorists during the 26/11 attack. Pawar, a head constable with the Matunga traffic division, sustained multiple fractures on his left leg after a motorcyclist trying to evade a drink drive nakabandi, ran over his leg.
He was rushed to Surana Sethia Hospital in Chembur around 2am on Saturday, where doctors found that his leg was injured badly.
Pawar had received the Rashtrapati Puraskar in 2013 honouring his work during the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.
“I was injured as shrapnel was lodged in my leg during the attack, but that was okay as I was fighting terrorists. This is extremely sad. The youth (who appeared to be 21 or 22 years old) in an attempt to flee from the nakabandi, revved up his scooter and the next minute I was on the ground,” said Pawar who is worried about losing a year of service owing to the injury. The incident took place near a junction near GTB railway station.
Prajyot Jagtap, the doctor treating Pawar, said his injury was extensive and would take at least a year to heal completely.
“His leg is fractured at two critical spots making the healing process longer. His knee is fractured as well, making it a challenging surgery,” said Dr Jagtap. Pawar is scheduled to undergo surgery for the multiple fractures on Monday.
Pawar’s senior, Sunil Kadam, said it was an unfortunate incident.
“The youth riding the scooter saw the nakabandi and took a turn, when one of the constables tried to stop him, he revved up and ran over his (Pawar’s) leg,” said Kadam, senior inspector, Matunga traffic division, Matunga.
A FIR has been registered with the Antop Hill Police station against an unknown person under section 279 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with rash driving endangering human life.
Doctors said Pawar would take at least three months to stand and walk with the help of a walker.
“The nature of the injury is such that the fusing of the bone will take longer,” Jagtap said.