Tragic Early Morning Accident Claims Life of Fruit Vendor in Bengaluru
A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday near the Satellite Bus Stand on Mysore Road in Bengaluru, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old man. The victim, identified as M Swamy Dorai, a pushcart fruit vendor from Siddartha Colony near Srigandhada Kaval, was crushed against a parked bus by a car reversing at high speed.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred around 4:30 AM and was witnessed by Dorai's wife, Jayashree. The couple had just returned from Tamil Nadu after attending a relative's funeral and were standing by the roadside, waiting to cross, when the tragedy struck.
According to police reports, a Hyundai i10 with registration number KA-04-MP-9829 was parked in a designated space between a hotel and the Kerala bus outgoing gate. The owner had handed over the keys to a parking attendant. However, the accused, Balasubramanyam, a marketing executive at a private firm, allegedly took the keys on the pretext of repositioning the vehicle, despite not being authorized to do so.
Balasubramanyam then reversed the car at high speed, hitting Dorai, dragging him, and pinning him against a blood bank bus. Dorai died on the spot from the severe impact. His wife, Jayashree, collapsed after witnessing the horrific incident.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Action
Following the accident, Balasubramanyam fled the scene immediately. Bystanders rushed Dorai to Victoria Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The Byatarayanapura traffic police swiftly launched an investigation and traced the accused, leading to his arrest.
An alcometer test conducted on Balasubramanyam showed a reading of 89 gm/100 ml, indicating heavy intoxication at the time of the incident. This high alcohol level likely contributed to the reckless driving that caused the fatal crash.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Based on a complaint filed by Dorai's son, the police have registered a case under BNS Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. This section addresses acts that cause death without the intent to kill but with negligence or recklessness.
The accused has been remanded in judicial custody as the investigation continues. The case highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving and unauthorized vehicle handling, leading to tragic loss of life.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws in Bengaluru. Dorai, a hardworking fruit vendor, leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and son, who are now coping with the sudden loss.
Authorities are urging the public to adhere to traffic regulations and avoid driving under the influence to prevent such accidents in the future. The swift police action in this case demonstrates a commitment to holding offenders accountable, but it also underscores the need for greater vigilance on the roads.
