Soon after the video of a nine-year-old girl being hit by a car at a housing society in Kalamboli went viral on social media, the police has taken suo motu action and filed a case of rash driving against a 44-year-old man.
While the incident occurred at Sai Nagar Society in Sector 4 around 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the CCTV footage became viral on social media on Thursday.
‘Accused paying bills’
Senior police inspector Satish Gaikwad, Kalamboli police station, said, “Our staff went to MGM Hospital thrice after learning about the accident, but the victim’s parents kept saying they had no complaints as the driver of the car was looking after her medical expenses. After we procured the CCTV footage, it was evident how serious the accident was. Hence, we took suo motu action and registered a case.”
‘A serious offence’
The victim, Sakshi Singh, was walking towards the gate when the speeding car entered the society and ran over her, dragging her a few feet away. The video shows the girl move towards the compound wall as she sees the car enter, yet the driver heads straight in her direction and rams into her.
Corporator Satish Patil said, “This is a very serious offence and when I got to know of it, I visited the police station and enquired if any action was taken. I met the family in the hospital and tried to convince them to lodge a case, but they were reluctant and said they were too disturbed. The girl was going out to buy a pencil when the accident occurred.” The girl sustained a fracture to her leg and internal bleeding in stomach, and is under observation at MGM Hospital in Kalamboli.
Visitor to society
The car was being driven by Naresh Mhatre, a resident of Uran who had come to the society to meet his brother. According to the police, Mr. Mhatre, who is a teacher by profession, had purchased the car recently. “There was an L board on the car. The accused had a valid driving licence and all other documents,” Mr. Gaikwad said.
Mr. Mhatre has been booked under Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 184 (driving dangerously) of the Motor Vehicle Act.
