A 70-year-old Andheri man, initially booked for drunk driving following a minor accident, was found to have suffered a stroke after a detailed probe. The incident has sparked intense debate over police conduct and medical response times.

  • 70-year-old Sharad Kadam was detained following a minor collision in Andheri.
  • Police initially suspected alcohol intoxication due to his inability to speak clearly.
  • A subsequent medical probe and SIT investigation confirmed he had suffered a minor stroke.

In a startling turn of events in Mumbai, a 70-year-old man, Sharad Kadam, who was booked by the Versova Police for alleged drunk driving, has been cleared of all charges. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe has revealed that Kadam's inability to cooperate with police was not due to intoxication, but a result of a medical emergency—a stroke.

The incident dates back to July 25, when Kadam's WagonR allegedly brushed against a Thar SUV and another vehicle near Seven Bungalows, Andheri. Upon being detained, Kadam appeared unwell and struggled to communicate. When traffic personnel attempted a breathalyzer test, he was unable to blow into the device, leading officers to assume he was under the influence of alcohol under the Motor Vehicles Act.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident highlights a critical gap in law enforcement training regarding medical emergency recognition. Kadam was allegedly kept at the police station for several hours despite showing clear signs of neurological distress. It was only after a relative intervened that he was rushed to the hospital.

The failure to distinguish between intoxication and a neurological event like a stroke can have life-threatening consequences.

A CT scan conducted at Cooper Hospital confirmed that Kadam had suffered a minor stroke. He was subsequently moved to Nanavati Hospital for intensive care. The case gained significant traction after a senior BJP leader, a distant relative of Kadam, questioned the police regarding the delay in providing medical attention to the elderly man.

Following the backlash, ACP Dnyaneshwar Awari led an investigation that included recording statements from the traffic constables involved. The findings officially exonerated Kadam, concluding that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Historical Background: Law Enforcement vs. Medical Emergencies

Historically, there have been numerous instances where law enforcement officers have mistaken medical conditions—such as hypoglycemia, strokes, or seizures—for intoxication. This has led to calls for mandatory medical training for first responders to ensure that legal procedures do not supersede the immediate need for life-saving medical intervention.

Did You Know?: A stroke can occur at any age, and early recognition of symptoms like slurred speech is vital for survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the original charge against Sharad Kadam?
He was booked under the Motor Vehicles Act for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

2. What did the SIT investigation conclude?
The SIT concluded that Kadam was not intoxicated but was suffering from a minor stroke.