Tanker knocks down elderly couple returning home after visiting Pandharpur temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi
The deceased have been identified as Malhari Bajirao Pawar (57) and Pankhabai Malhari Pawar (52), residents of Shrigonda taluka of Ahilyanagar.
The incident occurred around 10am on Sunday, coinciding with Ashadhi Ekadashi, the day the Wari pilgrimage concluded. Police officials said the couple visited Vitthal Rakhumai temple in Pandharpur, a revered pilgrimage site that draws lakhs of devotees each year around the auspicious occasion.
'The accident occurred near Bhigwan gram panchayat office. A CCTV camera installed at a distance captured the accident. A tanker hit the bike, knocking the couple down. The two sustained very serious injuries. They were rushed to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead,' said an officer from Bhigwan police station under Pune Rural police.
'We have launched a probe. The only CCTV camera footage of the tanker that is available is from a distance. We are working on further leads to identify the vehicle and the driver,' said the police officer.
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