An example of this is the recent scuffle between a Uber driver and an angry motorist which took place at the Vashi Gaon traffic signal on Sion-Panvel highway on Saturday night. Ashwin Kamble, a Uber driver from Kalwa took a U turn at the Vashi flyover as headed towards a tea stall in the area.
As the Uber taxi slowed down, an Ertiga which was on its way from the Vashi station got blocked. The Ertiga occupants, Vinod Darekar (23) and his friend Sushant Junghare (27) abused the Uber driver and threatened him.
Images for representation only.Rushing to the aid of the Uber driver were two bikers who were having tea at a nearby stall. Salim Khan and his friend Mohsin Momin intervened in the argument and told the Ertiga occupants that the Uber driver was not at fault. Angry words and threats followed after which the youths drove off in the Ertiga.
Moments later, the Uber driver told the youths that he feared harm from the Ertiga occupants and requested Salim and Mohsin to ride along with him till he crossed the Vashi toll plaza. Even as the youths rode along, they were soon accosted by the Ertiga which came at a high speed towards their bike and dashed into them. Salim who was riding the bike was killed after being thrown into the nearby mangroves and Mohsin, who was riding pillion suffered serious injuries.
All the biker did was help the Uber driver, and in return lost his life.The Uber driver noted this accident and locals in the vicinity informed the police giving them the full description of the car and occupants and the series of events that led to this incident. Within five hours of the incident, the police had arrested the duo after recognizing the Ertiga on the basis of a badge pasted at the rear.
The vehicle was being operated for BPOs in Mindspace business park in Airoli. Darekar, a resident of Kopar Khairane, along with his friend have been arrested. An FIR has been registered for murder and attempt to murder while the police have obtained magisterial custody for the accused.
