Underage Driving Tragedies in Delhi: A Decade of Grief and Unending Legal Battles
Over the years, fatal crashes involving underage drivers have wreaked havoc on numerous families in Delhi, plunging them into profound grief and financial hardship while forcing them to endure protracted legal struggles. From Civil Lines in 2016 to Mayur Vihar in 2024 and Samaypur Badli last year, minors behind the wheel have irrevocably altered the essence of existence for many—leaving siblings without brothers, parents without support, and children without fathers.
The Sharma Family's Heartbreaking Loss
In 2016, a minor driving a Mercedes at high speed fatally struck Siddharth Sharma, a 32-year-old marketing executive, in a tragic incident that instantly ended a promising life and devastated his family. His sister, Shilpa Mittal, shared her anguish with TOI, stating, "We have completely failed as a society. Parents give their children vehicles to drive, and society does not object. People take pride in saying, 'Our young son or daughter drives a car.' This is not a matter of pride, but a shame. Minors should not be driving."
She also criticized law enforcement, noting that investigations often move slowly and trials drag on for years. "I have been fighting this case for 10 years. When I began this fight, I knew that nothing could bring my brother back. For me, it will never be a victory, no matter what the outcome is. But we are fighting to set a precedent—that you cannot simply get away with this crime," she emphasized.
Shilpa added that she still lives with a deep sense of void. "In every moment of happiness in life, you remember your loved ones. Incidents like those bring back so many painful memories. The worst part is you don't even get time to grieve. The system entangles you so much in the pursuit of justice that you cannot sit quietly in a room and cry. I haven't had the time yet—I am still fighting," she lamented.
The Devastating Impact on the Devi Family
In March 2024, 22-year-old Sheetal Devi was killed and nine others were injured when a 17-year-old boy drove his car into a crowd of shoppers at a market in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar. Her brother, Kapil Dev, revealed that her death forced him to drop out of school and start working to support the family. "My sister used to work at a factory in Noida, earning around Rs 10,000 a month. She used to support our education and send money to our parents in Lakhimpur Kheri. The rest would go towards our rent here and her own studies," he explained.
The family has not received any compensation yet, Kapil claimed. "My sister went to the market to buy clothes and other items before she was to visit Lakhimpur Kheri for Holi. When I heard about the crash, I rushed to hospital, but by then she was dead," he recalled, adding that she had moved to Delhi just six months before the accident to support the family. "With her gone, it feels like our entire world has collapsed," her brother said.
The Mandal Family's Unbearable Tragedy
In August last year, 32-year-old Sujeet Mandal was hit by a car driven by a minor and dragged nearly 600 metres in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli, resulting in his death. His brother, Ajeet Mandal, described how the tragedy destroyed the family. "Losing the eldest son—and a father awaiting the birth of his child—was unbearable. Two months after his death, his daughter was born. He had so many dreams for the kid and wanted to build a house for the family, but everything is over now," Ajeet said, noting that a case is ongoing in court.
Sujeet was the family's primary source of income. Although Ajeet had taken up a job just before the accident, his brother's death placed the full financial responsibility on him. The Mandals, too, have not received any compensation. "We want the government to help our parents, my sister-in-law, and her daughter," he added.
Broader Implications and Societal Failures
These cases highlight a critical societal failure in Delhi, where underage driving continues to claim lives and shatter families. The legal battles often stretch for years, compounding the emotional and financial burdens on victims' relatives. Key issues include:
- Lack of Enforcement: Slow investigations and prolonged trials delay justice.
- Financial Strain: Families lose primary earners and struggle without compensation.
- Emotional Toll: Grieving is interrupted by relentless legal pursuits.
- Societal Attitudes: Pride in underage driving must shift to shame and prevention.
As these families fight for justice, their stories serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety laws and societal change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
