Ride-Hailing App Data Provides Breakthrough in Fatal Chennai Hit-and-Run Case
In a significant development, Avadi traffic police in Chennai have successfully cracked a fatal hit-and-run case by leveraging data from ride-hailing applications. The investigation led to the arrest of a 28-year-old autorickshaw driver, R Santhosh, who was involved in the accident that claimed the life of a 60-year-old morning walker named Selvam.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on January 27 near the newly constructed eco park at Chettiyar Agaram in Avadi. Selvam, a resident of Amman Koil Street in Thelliyar Agaram, was stepping out of the park when an autorickshaw struck him from behind at high speed. The impact caused severe head injuries, and despite being rushed to SRMC Hospital by fellow walkers, Selvam succumbed to his injuries on January 29. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Initial Investigation Challenges
Upon registering the case, Avadi traffic police initiated a thorough investigation. A special team was formed under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) C Sangu. Authorities examined footage from approximately 50 CCTV cameras along the stretch; however, no video evidence was available from the exact accident spot. Investigators also reviewed footage from adjoining and arterial roads and questioned drivers at a nearby autorickshaw stand, but these efforts yielded no concrete leads.
Digital Data Provides the Crucial Clue
Suspecting that a passenger might have booked a ride through a ride-hailing platform around the time of the accident, police turned to data from various aggregators. They collected trip information for vehicles that traversed the stretch during the relevant period and shortlisted 22 autorickshaws for detailed scrutiny. During this analysis, investigators noticed that one particular autorickshaw had deviated from its usual route and appeared to be driven in a hurried manner.
The pivotal breakthrough came when police discovered that this trip had been abruptly terminated midway. Records indicated that the passenger subsequently booked another autorickshaw to complete their journey. Police traced and questioned this passenger, but they could not provide any information about the accident itself.
Arrest and Judicial Proceedings
Using the vehicle registration details, police identified the driver as R Santhosh, a 28-year-old resident of Kattupakkam. He was confirmed to be the individual involved in the fatal accident. Santhosh was subsequently arrested and remanded to judicial custody, marking a significant resolution to the case that had initially seemed challenging due to the lack of direct evidence.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights the increasing role of digital data in modern law enforcement, particularly in urban areas like Chennai. The use of ride-hailing app records demonstrates how technology can assist in solving crimes that might otherwise remain unsolved. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigative techniques in hit-and-run incidents, which often pose significant challenges for authorities.
The arrest brings a measure of justice for Selvam's family and serves as a reminder of the critical need for road safety measures and responsible driving practices in densely populated urban environments.
