A Delhi court has directed the payment of ₹28 lakh in compensation to the family of a marketing executive who lost his life in a horrific hit-and-run incident involving a BMW in 2022. The ruling comes as some solace to the grieving family, though the perpetrator remains at large.
The Tragic Incident
On the fateful evening of May 20, 2022, 32-year-old Ankit Sharma was returning home from work when a speeding BMW struck him near the Civil Lines area in North Delhi. The impact was so severe that Sharma was thrown several feet into the air before landing on the road with critical injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the luxury vehicle failed to stop after the collision and fled the scene at high speed. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Sharma succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a devastated family including his elderly parents and young wife.
Legal Proceedings and Compensation
Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) presiding officer Kiran Gupta delivered the judgment after examining substantial evidence, including eyewitness accounts and police reports. The tribunal found conclusive proof that the accident resulted from rash and negligent driving by the BMW driver.
The compensation breakdown includes:
- ₹18 lakh for loss of future income
- ₹5 lakh for pain and suffering
- ₹3 lakh for loss of companionship
- ₹2 lakh for funeral and medical expenses
Ongoing Police Investigation
Despite the compensation ruling, the Delhi Police investigation has hit a dead end. The BMW involved in the accident was registered to a woman residing in UP's Ghaziabad, but she claimed the vehicle had been sold months before the incident without proper documentation transfer.
"The actual driver remains unidentified to this day," confirmed a police officer involved in the case. "We've pursued all available leads, but without concrete evidence, the investigation has stalled."
Broader Implications
This case highlights the growing concern about hit-and-run incidents involving luxury vehicles in Delhi. The city has witnessed several similar cases where powerful vehicles have caused fatal accidents, with drivers often escaping accountability.
The compensation, while substantial, serves as a reminder that no amount of money can replace a lost life. It also underscores the urgent need for better traffic enforcement and stricter regulations regarding vehicle ownership transfers.
