Delhi Police Files FIR Against Father for Minor's Fatal SUV Crash in Dwarka
In a tragic incident that has sparked legal action, Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the father of a 17-year-old boy for allegedly permitting his son to illegally operate an SUV. The juvenile was behind the wheel when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle and a taxi in Sector 11 of Dwarka on February 3, resulting in the death of the motorcyclist, 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra.
Fatal Collision and Immediate Aftermath
Police were alerted about the accident at 11:57 AM and arrived to find the motorcycle, SUV, and cab severely damaged. Sahil Dhaneshra was declared dead at the scene, while cab driver Ajit Singh sustained injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest the motorcycle and SUV collided head-on, after which the SUV lost control and struck the parked cab along the roadside.
Initially, the SUV driver claimed to be 19 years old, but police later discovered his true age was 17. He was subsequently produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. The minor was granted interim bail on February 10 to allow him to write his Class X examinations.
Legal Action Against Father Under Motor Vehicles Act
Authorities have seized the SUV and invoked Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act against the father. This provision holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence. Penalties under this section can include imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of Rs 25,000, and cancellation of the vehicle's registration for one year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh confirmed that the father was bound down and will be formally chargesheeted. This legal move underscores the responsibility of vehicle owners in preventing underage driving.
Severe Injuries and Postmortem Findings
According to Sahil Dhaneshra's postmortem report, he sustained catastrophic injuries:
- Fracture in the left temporo-parietal bone of the skull
- Generalised brain oedema (swelling)
- Blood clots in the oral cavity
- Multiple fractures in ribs on the left side of the chest
A medical expert explained that the severe head trauma caused significant bleeding and swelling inside the brain, particularly on the left side. Blood had accumulated between the brain and its outer covering, and the entire brain was swollen due to bleeding and bruising.
Ongoing Investigation and Additional Claims
Sahil's mother has alleged that the SUV involved in the crash had accumulated 12 challans for overspeeding. Police are currently attempting to verify this claim through the central government's 'parivahan' portal. Investigators are also examining a purported video of the collision circulating online to establish the precise sequence of events.
This case highlights the grave consequences of underage driving and the legal ramifications for those who enable it. As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and ensuring vehicles are not operated by unlicensed minors.
