A tragic road accident claimed the life of a seven-year-old girl in Vikarabad district on Monday night, sparking allegations and counterclaims between the grieving family and local authorities. The incident occurred in Rakamcherla village, leaving the community in shock.
Controversy Over Circumstances of the Accident
The heart of the dispute lies in the events leading to the accident. The family of the deceased child, identified as Saujanya, alleges that the speeding SUV that hit her was part of a victory rally for the newly-elected sarpanch, Kamli Bai. They claim the convoy was moving through the area to celebrate her win in the recent panchayat polls.
However, the police have firmly denied this version. Pargi inspector Srinivas Reddy stated that the SUV, while belonging to the sarpanch's family, was not part of any rally at the time. "The SUV belongs to the sarpanch's family. But neither Kamli nor her husband was inside the car. It was driven by their driver, Narsimhulu, who was alone... The victory rally was yet to start," Reddy explained. Police added that the accident site was about half a kilometre away from where the rally was planned.
Sequence of Events and Police Case
According to the official account from the Chengomul police, the accident happened when Saujanya suddenly came onto the road outside her house in a bylane and was struck by the vehicle. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Following the tragic event, mild tension prevailed at the hospital where the girl's family, including her farmer father, and relatives of the sarpanch had gathered. A heated argument also broke out between the parents and the sarpanch's husband, Pentaiah.
The police have registered a case against the driver, Narsimhulu, under charges of causing death by negligence. They have also clarified that the sarpanch and her husband were not present at the accident spot and were reportedly on their way to attend another event with a local MLA.
Community Grief and Seeking Accountability
The incident has cast a pall over Rakamcherla village, highlighting issues of road safety and accountability. The loss of a young life has ignited strong emotions, with the family demanding justice. The conflicting narratives between the family's allegations and the police report point to the need for a thorough investigation to establish the complete facts surrounding the fatal night.
As the legal process begins against the driver, the community mourns the death of Saujanya, a tragedy that underscores the devastating consequences of negligent driving on village roads.
