Post-Mane madness, citizens, especially the elders, are fearful of heavy vehicles and choose to remain indoors.
Disasters always leave behind heartaches and lasting painful memories. However, the murderous act of state transport (ST) driver, Santosh Mane, 39, on Wednesday morning has also left Puneites fearful of heavy vehicles.
Mane had gone on a rampage after hijacking a ST bus from Swargate bus depot, mowing down pedestrians, hitting cars, two-wheelers and food stalls, before he was overpowered by a collegian and policemen after his bus got stuck due to traffic near
Neelayam theatre.
Post-incident, citizens told DNA that the mere sight of a heavy vehicle reminds them of the incident, making them nervy and vulnerable. Most of them have become suspicious of bus drivers and their driving skills.
The worst victims are senior citizens, who are now more petrified as they feel that they are more susceptible to accidents.
Chidanand Pathak, 75, of Pashan who uses a Maruti 800 to travel in the city told DNA that now he prefers to stay indoors. “I am scared after the incident as it proves that the traffic management in the city is in a shambles. The sight of any heavy vehicle brings back memory of the Swargate incident,” he said.
Two-wheeler riders share the same plight.
“I was never afraid or worried about buses before this incident. Now, I keep scanning for heavy vehicles being driven on the wrong side. Being a biker, I feel more exposed to accidents,” said Shreya Arora, 20, a Symbiosis College student.
Many believe that the reason for empty streets in the city on Republic Day was more to do with the Wednesday madness than the day being a public holiday.
“I think people are now more scared to venture out into the streets or travel in buses,” said Chandan Firke, 23, a BPO employee who uses public transport for commuting.
Shreeyash Hospital consulting psychiatrist, Dr Swapnil Deshmukh, said it is natural for such incidents of this stature to create a fear psychosis amidst the masses. He said, “Ventilation of these psychological fears gained through such traumatic incidents can be done by speaking about it to peers and friends.”
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