Nagpur has emerged as the third worst-hit city in India for hit-and-run deaths, recording 327 casualties in 2024, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. Of the 331 hit-and-run victims in 2024, 329 families are still waiting for justice alongside Atif and Hussain, as the city's law enforcement struggles with poor surveillance and an overburdened criminal justice system.
Rising Trend in Hit-and-Run Deaths
This marks an 18% increase from 277 deaths in 2023, placing Nagpur behind only Delhi (642) and Patna (332) while surpassing major metros like Mumbai (190), Bengaluru (204), Hyderabad (227), and Pune (121). These statistics fall under the category of causing death by negligence relating to road accidents where drivers flee the scene without aiding victims or reporting to authorities.
Traffic department data for the city reveals 312 hit-and-run accidents in 2025, resulting in 96 deaths and 274 injuries. So far this year, 86 cases have been reported, claiming 24 lives and injuring 79 people in just four months.
Shocking Incidents Highlight the Crisis
One of the most shocking cases was the Ram Jhula hit-and-run in February 2024, where a recklessly driven car killed two people, sparking citywide outrage. In April 2026, the death of 72-year-old yoga teacher Mangala Kewte in Dharampeth again highlighted the issue when she was mowed down by a speeding SUV during her morning walk. While some drivers, like in the Kewte case, were arrested, many others continue to evade justice.
Non-Functional CCTV Cameras Hinder Investigations
Alarmingly, more than 1,300 CCTV cameras across the city remain non-functional. Nearly 600 are offline, more than 150 are dismantled or faulty, and the rest are plagued by technical and maintenance issues. This has severely delayed investigations, allowing offenders to escape.
Hundreds of families are waiting for justice, but who's listening, said a victim's relative. Road safety activists and citizens blame rash driving, speeding, and poor traffic discipline for the rising toll. With the surveillance system in shambles, police struggle to trace vehicles and drivers, leading to low conviction rates and emboldened offenders.
Demands for Urgent Action
Residents are now demanding urgent fixes, including repair of the CCTV network, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and faster case resolutions. As another year progresses with fresh casualties, the question remains: How many more lives must be lost before authorities wake up to this preventable crisis?
