Mumbai groups mourn ‘one of India’s finest riders’ who was crushed trying to avoid pothole

Mumbaiite Hogale was a member of the ‘Bikerni Motorcycle Club’ — India’s first all-female motorcycle group, which was started in 2011

Jagruti Viraj Hogale, 34, was killed on Sunday after she swerved to avoid a pothole on the Jawhar-Dahanu highway and got crushed under the rear wheel of a truck she had overtaken.

Hogale and two other women were heading from Bandra to Jawhar, a popular tourist spot know for its waterfalls, on a weekend getaway when the accident occurred. (HT)

Hogale was a member of the ‘Bikerni Motorcycle Club’ — India’s first all-female motorcycle group, which was started in 2011. One of the group’s most active members, she had made trips to Leh and Ladakh. 

She and two other women were heading from Bandra to Jawhar, a popular tourist spot know for its waterfalls, on a weekend getaway when the accident occurred, said police.

Several biking groups took to social media to express their sorrow at her death. Many who had met her on expeditions or treks described her as ‘bubbly’ and energetic’.

Calcutta Rider’s Fraternity called her an ‘inspiration’, saying her efforts had promoted biking among women across India.

Many requested fellow bikers to navigate the city’s unsafe streets with caution.

Several groups blamed the civic authorities, saying action should be taken against them for the shoddy state of roads in Mumbai.

Hogale is survived by her husband Viraj and nine-year-old son Harshit.