A tragic hit-and-run incident on a busy national highway in Panchkula has claimed the life of a 62-year-old woman. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of December 21, highlighting the persistent dangers of rash driving on Indian roads.
Details of the Panchkula Highway Tragedy
The victim, identified as Jagwati (62), a resident of Dera Bassi, was crossing the Zirakpur–Kalka National Highway near Sector 20, Panchkula, at around 6 pm. She was accompanied by her 41-year-old daughter, Gayatri. According to the police statement given by Gayatri, a car approaching from the Kalka direction at a very high speed struck Jagwati, leaving her with severe injuries.
In a subsequent turn of events, the driver of the car did transport the critically injured woman to the Government Hospital in Dera Bassi. However, he left the premises soon after, abandoning the victim. Due to the seriousness of her condition, Jagwati was referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32, Chandigarh, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Acting on the statement provided by the deceased's daughter, officials at the Sector 20 Police Station in Panchkula have registered a First Information Report (FIR). The case has been filed under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to rash and negligent driving leading to death.
The body of the victim was kept in the mortuary at GMCH-32 for postmortem examination, which has been initiated. Authorities have confirmed that a further investigation into the accident is currently underway to identify and apprehend the driver responsible for the fatal hit-and-run.
Aftermath and Ongoing Concerns
This incident has once again cast a spotlight on road safety issues, particularly on high-speed corridors like national highways. The use of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections indicates the legal framework now being applied to such grievous offenses. The local community and authorities are left to grapple with the consequences of a life lost and the search for accountability.
The police are urging anyone with additional information about the accident or the vehicle involved to come forward as they continue their probe into this heartbreaking case of a fatal road accident in Panchkula.
