Two Men Arrested After Fatal Drunk Driving Accident in Coimbatore
Coimbatore: Two Arrested After Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

In a tragic incident that has shocked the local community, two men from Coimbatore were arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody on Friday, following a fatal accident that occurred on Thursday. The accident claimed the life of their 32-year-old friend, highlighting the severe consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior on the roads.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

The police identified the arrested individuals as Kathiresan, aged 31, from Malumichampatti, and Raj Kamal, aged 32, from Masakkalipalayam. Both were booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, along with section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which pertains to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After their arrest, they were produced before a judicial magistrate and sent to the Coimbatore Central Prison, where they will remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Accident

According to police investigations, the tragic sequence of events began on Wednesday night when Kathiresan, Raj Kamal, and the deceased, J Anthony Paul Richard, a resident of Guruvayur Nagar, consumed liquor at Raj Kamal's house. In the early hours of Thursday morning, the trio decided to go out for tea and took a car for the journey.

Kathiresan, who was behind the wheel, was reportedly speeding on Avinashi Road, a busy thoroughfare in Coimbatore. In a moment of recklessness, he rammed into another car, causing a severe collision. The impact was so intense that Anthony, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died on the spot, leaving behind his wife and a 10-month-old baby.

Aftermath and Community Impact

While Kathiresan and Raj Kamal, both bachelors, survived the crash with injuries, the loss of Anthony has left a void in his family and the local community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.

A police officer from the traffic investigation wing (East) provided details of the case, emphasizing that the investigation revealed clear evidence of intoxication and speeding. This has led to stringent legal action against the accused, underscoring the authorities' commitment to road safety and justice for victims.

The community in Coimbatore is now grappling with the aftermath of this fatal accident, with many calling for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.