Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Former GP Vice-President on Kodagu Highway
A devastating hit-and-run accident on the bustling Mangaluru-Madikeri National Highway 275 has resulted in the tragic death of a 56-year-old auto driver and former local government representative. The incident, which occurred late on Thursday near Sampaje in Kodagu district, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The victim, identified as Sundar C, was a respected former vice-president of the Sampaje Gram Panchayat. According to preliminary reports from the Madikeri Rural police, the tragedy unfolded on a curvy section of the highway. A speeding car, attempting a dangerous overtaking maneuver from the left side, violently rammed into the autorickshaw driven by Sundar.
The impact caused the three-wheeler to topple onto the road. In a horrifying turn of events, a truck approaching from the opposite direction was unable to avoid the wreckage and ran over the autorickshaw. Sundar sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
A woman passenger who was travelling in the auto at the time of the collision suffered significant injuries. She was promptly rescued from the site and shifted to a hospital in Sulia for urgent medical treatment. Her current condition remains under observation by healthcare professionals.
Eyewitness accounts and initial investigations reveal that the driver of the car responsible for the initial collision fled the scene immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle and evading responsibility.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement authorities from the Madikeri Rural police station launched a swift investigation into the hit-and-run case. Utilizing crucial evidence from CCTV camera footage installed along the highway, investigators were able to identify and track down the accused driver.
The police have since arrested the individual, named Rahul, who is a resident of Mysuru. He is currently in custody and facing charges related to the fatal accident. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact speed of the vehicle and whether any other factors contributed to the tragic event.
Victim's Background and Family
Sundar C was not only an auto driver but also a former public servant, having served as the vice-president of the Sampaje Gram Panchayat. He is survived by his grieving wife and three children. In a poignant detail, his son, Devi Prasad, serves as a soldier in the Indian Army, highlighting a family dedicated to public service.
The local community in Kodagu is mourning the loss of a known figure, and the incident has raised serious concerns about road safety on NH 275, particularly regarding speeding and reckless overtaking on its challenging curves.
