Nagpur: The Indian Army has firmly denied and condemned misleading media and social media reports that claimed an inebriated army officer injured nearly 30 civilians in a road incident in Ramtek, near Nagpur.
Several media outlets and social media handles, on August 4, 2025, reported with sensational headlines such as “Drunk Army Officer Rams Car Into 30 People In Nagpur, Thrashed By Locals”, alleging that a soldier under the influence of alcohol recklessly rammed his vehicle into a crowd during a road rage incident in Nagardhan, Ramtek, injuring multiple civilians before being assaulted by locals and arrested.
However, following a detailed investigation and confirmation from the Ramtek Police Station and the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Nagpur, the Indian Army has clarified that these claims are entirely false and misleading.
The incident in question occurred on August 3, 2025, around 6:30 PM, when Havildar Harsh Pal Mahadev Waghmare, a resident of Ramtek currently posted in the North-East, was on leave and returning from a relative’s residence. He reportedly had a minor altercation with a group of locals over parking. Following the dispute, four individuals began chasing the Army personnel.
In an attempt to avoid confrontation, Havildar Waghmare lost control of his car, which then struck a tree. The four individuals allegedly dragged him out of the vehicle, brutally assaulted him, vandalized his car, and pushed it into a drain.
On August 4, the soldier lodged a formal complaint at Ramtek Police Station, and the matter is being investigated. The Indian Army has confirmed that the FIR details have been verified and is closely coordinating with local police to ensure a fair and swift resolution.
“All assistance is being extended to Havildar Waghmare. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of sensationalism in news reporting,” stated a release from the Army.
The Indian Army also warned that such false narratives may be attempts to damage its reputation and spread mistrust. It has urged the media to verify facts from official sources before publishing reports, especially those involving defence personnel.
“The Indian Army remains committed to truth and transparency and calls upon all media outlets to act responsibly and avoid the spread of misinformation,” the statement concluded.
