Mangaluru: A city court has sentenced an auto-rickshaw driver and the registered owner of the vehicle in connection with a hit-and-run case near Bejai Junction that claimed the life of a biker. The court took serious note of the driver’s act of fleeing the accident spot and the vehicle owner’s role in allowing a person without a valid driving licence to operate the auto-rickshaw.

The judgment followed the completion of trial proceedings in a case linked to a road accident that occurred in February 2023. After examining witness statements and hearing arguments from both sides, the court held the accused responsible and pronounced its verdict.

Accident occurred during U-turn attempt

The incident took place on February 21, 2023, on the road stretch connecting Bejai Junction and Rangoli Cross. According to case records, auto-rickshaw driver Sairam allegedly attempted to take a U-turn when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle ridden by Kavan Alva.

Investigators stated that the biker was travelling towards Bejai at the time of the accident. The impact of the collision reportedly threw both the rider and the motorcycle off the road.

Kavan Alva suffered severe injuries after crashing into a roadside tree following the collision. The impact resulted in serious head injuries, causing critical injuries to the rider.

The accident drew attention due to the circumstances surrounding the case and the conduct of the driver immediately after the incident.

Driver allegedly fled accident spot

According to investigation findings, the auto-rickshaw driver allegedly fled the scene immediately after the accident instead of assisting the injured rider or informing authorities.

The seriously injured biker was later shifted for medical attention but succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.

During the course of the investigation, police reportedly discovered that the auto-rickshaw driver did not possess a valid driving licence at the time of the incident.

The findings added further seriousness to the case as authorities examined both the accident and legal violations related to driving regulations.

Following preliminary inquiry and collection of evidence, police proceeded with legal action against both the driver and the registered owner of the vehicle.

Police investigation led to charges

Based on the investigation findings, a case was registered against the driver and the RC owner at the Kadri Traffic Police Station.

Then inspector Nagaraj K conducted the investigation and later submitted the charge sheet before the court after completing procedural formalities.

The prosecution presented witness statements and evidence before the court to establish the sequence of events and demonstrate violations linked to the incident.

Government representatives also conducted witness examinations and legal proceedings as part of the trial process.

Geetha Rai initially carried out witness examination on behalf of the government, after which Aaron D’Souza Vitla continued witness examination and presented arguments before the court.

Court imposes imprisonment and fines

The case was heard by the 8th JMFC Court presided over by Judge Fawaz P A, who examined the material placed before the court and heard arguments from both sides.

After concluding that the prosecution had successfully established the case, the court imposed sentences under provisions of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act.

The driver was sentenced under Section 187 of the IMV Act to one month of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000. The court directed that failure to pay the fine would attract an additional 10 days of simple imprisonment.

Further, under Section 181 of the Act, the driver was sentenced to 15 days of simple imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1,000. Failure to pay this amount would result in an additional seven days of simple imprisonment.

The court also took serious note of the actions of RC owner Jagadish Chandappa for permitting a person without a valid driving licence to operate the auto-rickshaw.

The judgment highlights the legal consequences associated with negligent driving, hit-and-run incidents and allowing unauthorised individuals to operate vehicles, reinforcing the importance of compliance with traffic regulations and road safety norms.