Indore Hit-and-Run Accidents Claim 85 Lives, Leave 104 Seriously Injured Over Three Years
Indore has been grappling with a severe hit-and-run crisis, as recent police data disclosed during a Road Safety Committee meeting reveals a distressing toll: 85 people killed and 104 seriously injured in 189 such accidents reported across the city in the last three years. The fatality count has shown a significant and alarming rise during this period, highlighting urgent road safety concerns.
Sharp Increase in Fatalities from 2023 to 2025
The statistics paint a grim picture of escalating violence on Indore's roads. In 2023, five deaths were recorded in hit-and-run incidents. This number surged dramatically to 42 fatalities in 2024, followed by 38 deaths in 2025. Out of the total 85 deceased individuals, the identities of five persons remain unknown, adding to the tragedy and complexity of these cases.
Police Challenges in Investigating Untraced Cases
Additional Commissioner of Police (headquarters and crime) RK Singh explained the difficulties faced by law enforcement in pursuing justice. "Following accidents, we launch searches to identify the accused, but we often face a lack of CCTV footage at the spot, missing eyewitnesses, or injured victims unable to provide details," Singh told TOI. This has resulted in all 189 cases remaining untraced, with the accused or vehicles involved still at large.
Key data from the untraced cases:
- 2023: 5 deaths, 15 injured
- 2024: 42 deaths, 70 injured
- 2025: 38 deaths, 19 injured
- Total: 85 deaths, 104 injured across 189 pending cases
Compensation Process for Victims Under 2022 Scheme
When a vehicle cannot be traced within 30 days, police coordinate with the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to identify eligible relatives for compensation. Victims are entitled to relief under the Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022, effective since April 1, 2022. This scheme provides Rs 2 lakh for the legal representatives of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for injured victims, disbursed from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund when the vehicle involved cannot be identified.
"Our priority is twofold: we continue our pursuit of the accused while simultaneously assisting the victims' families in securing their rightful compensation," Singh emphasized. He noted that the state government is prioritizing the expansion of the city's CCTV network to deter such crimes and aid in future investigations, aiming to address the root causes of these untraced incidents.
