Bapu Lonkar, the brave cop

Police constable Bapu Lonkar, who was described as a ‘star witness’ and ‘hero of the matter’ by additional sessions judge VK Shewale while pronouncing the judgement in Santosh Mane case, aims to become a police sub-inspector.

In a scene straight from a movie potboiler, Lonkar had risked his life as he managed to get on board the moving state transport (ST) bus that Mane was driving, fought and forced him to stop the bus near Neelayam Talkies on the fateful day.

Lonkar was rewarded Rs6,000, highest amount received as an award by any of his batchmates, for his exemplary act by the then Pune police commissioner Meeran Chadha Borwankar.

Speaking to dna, Lonkar said, “I still remember the incident vividly. It was a horrific day. I am quite happy with the court’s decision. I am often showered with praises. Sometimes they also call me ‘Mane’ in banter. I take it as a compliment. The top brass also recognise me.”

Speaking to dna, additional director general of police (state prison) Borwankar said, “Our brave police constable Lonkar has risked his life to save others. He has set an example for the police force.”

Presently assigned to guard the police commissioner’s office, Lonkar’s father is a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) constable. Recruited as a constable in 2010, Lonkar is staying with his parents and younger brother at Ramtekdi in Hadapsar. A commerce graduate from a city-based college, he is also preparing for the sub-inspector exam.

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