A corporate legal advisor from Mumbai, Subharaman Krishnan, sustained two spinal fractures after being knocked down by a car driven by a 14-year-old student in the Chandivali locality of Andheri. The incident occurred on September 6 and the CCTV footage was widely shared on social media. The footage showed the minor losing control of the vehicle, hitting a parked auto rickshaw, and subsequently striking Krishnan. The Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association tweeted the video, tagging the Mumbai Police and Mumbai Traffic Police.
Saki Naka police have imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 but have not registered a case as the driver is a minor. Krishnan expressed his disappointment with the police for not filing a First Information Report (FIR). He stated that despite surviving the accident, he is now bedridden and has been advised by doctors not to move for the next three months. Krishnan criticized the lack of action taken by the police, stating that they failed to file an FIR or take legal action against the minor or his father.
Krishnan shared his account of the incident, stating that he was hit as soon as he stepped out of his building’s gate. The car was following behind him, and he was knocked down unexpectedly. He managed to get up but was hit a second time. His wife and son approached the police on the same night, but they only recorded their statement without filing an FIR or taking any action against the minor or his father.
Mandeep Singh Makkar, a founder member of the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association, highlighted that under the Motor Vehicle Act, strict action should have been taken against the parents for allowing the child to drive a vehicle. Saki Naka police have made a note in the Traffic Accident Diary, stating that an FIR cannot be registered under the Juvenile Justice Act since the driver is a minor. The police stated that the minor’s Social Survey Report will be submitted to the Juvenile Justice Board after completing the investigation. Additionally, they have written to the regional transport office to prevent the minor from obtaining a driving license until he turns 25. The law allows for strict action against parents or guardians if minors drive family-owned vehicles and are involved in accidents. The police are investigating if the father had knowledge of the minor taking the car key.
The incident has prompted discussions about the need for stricter measures to prevent incidents involving underage drivers. The victim’s frustration at the lack of legal action is indicative of the challenges in addressing such cases. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder for greater vigilance and enforcement to ensure road safety and prevent accidents caused by underage driving.
