Seven-year-old boy killed in Balewadi hit-and-run; grandfather and younger brother injured as driver escapes
Seven-year-old boy killed in Balewadi hit-and-run; grandfather and younger brother injured as driver escapes
A seven-year-old boy died in a hit-and-run accident in Balewadi, Pune. His younger brother and grandfather were injured. Police are searching for the absconding driver.
Balewadi, Pune, Maharashtra | Nov 20, 2025:- A quiet evening in Balewadi turned tragic when a speeding tempo rammed into a family walking along the roadside, killing a seven-year-old boy and injuring his younger brother and grandfather. The driver fled immediately after the crash, leaving the victims on the road as bystanders rushed in to help. Police have launched a search for the absconding driver and are examining area footage to identify the vehicle.
The child who died has been identified as Anurag Chandamare. His five-year-old brother, Abhinav, and their grandfather, Bundo Wavalkar, suffered serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. Doctors say both are stable but continue to receive treatment. The incident occurred late Wednesday when the family was heading home. Witnesses said the tempo approached at high speed, swerved unexpectedly and hit the three before the driver sped away.
Residents alerted the Bharadhan Police Station, and a case has been filed under relevant sections related to rash driving and causing death by negligence. Police teams are reviewing CCTV cameras installed near commercial complexes and residential lanes in an effort to track the vehicle’s direction of escape. Officers said they have some leads based on witness statements and are confident about identifying the driver soon.
The incident has shaken the neighbourhood, with many locals expressing frustration at the increasing number of hit-and-run cases in the area. Balewadi, which has seen rapid urban growth, has also experienced rising traffic density, and residents say speeding vehicles have become common on internal roads. Parents in the locality gathered outside the hospital, calling for stricter enforcement of speed limits and immediate action against reckless drivers.
Family members of the victims said the children were excited to step out after school hours and often accompanied their grandfather on short evening walks. The sudden loss of Anurag has devastated the household. Relatives said the boy was cheerful, active in school and close to his younger brother, who is still unaware of the full extent of what happened.
Local citizens and volunteer groups are urging authorities to install more traffic calming measures such as speed-breakers, reflective signage and pedestrian safety zones. They believe such measures could help prevent similar tragedies, especially in residential pockets where children frequently use the streets.
Police officials handling the case have called on the public to share any information that may assist the investigation. They also warned that fleeing the scene of an accident attracts severe criminal charges, and said strict action will be taken once the driver is identified.
The tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about pedestrian safety in developing suburbs like Balewadi, where vehicle numbers have risen sharply while infrastructure improvements have lagged behind. Many residents say they feel unsafe walking along main and internal roads due to careless driving and lack of enforcement.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on bringing the culprit to justice and supporting the injured family members. For the Chandamare family, life has changed in an instant, and the community is rallying around them as they cope with the heartbreaking loss.
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