Mumbai Businessman Dies After Minor's Car Crash in Vidyavihar
In a tragic incident that has shocked the city, a 33-year-old businessman from Ghatkopar, Dhrumil Patel, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening after a devastating car crash. The accident, which occurred on February 5 near Somaiya College in Vidyavihar, involved a car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy that rammed into Patel's scooter. Patel had been battling for his life for over 10 days in hospital before passing away.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place around 11:15 PM when Dhrumil Patel and his wife, Minal (32), were returning home on their scooter after closing their shop in Parel. According to police reports, a speeding SUV, coming from the opposite direction, collided head-on with their vehicle. The impact was so severe that both individuals were flung several feet away, suffering multiple fractures and grievous injuries.
Initially, the couple was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital but was later shifted to a private hospital in Ghatkopar due to the critical nature of their condition. Doctors had earlier stated that Dhrumil was on ventilator support and in an extremely critical state, while Minal continues to recover at Zynova Shalby Hospital.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
Based on a complaint filed by Dhrumil's uncle, Mahesh Patel, the Tilak Nagar police registered a case and conducted investigations. It was revealed that the SUV was being driven by a minor, leading to the arrest of the 17-year-old boy and his father for allegedly allowing him to drive the vehicle. With Dhrumil's death, police officials have announced that relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death due to negligence, along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, will be added to the FIR.
Interestingly, the Juvenile Justice Board had recently granted bail to the minor on the grounds that his board examinations were approaching. This decision has sparked discussions about the balance between legal accountability and educational considerations in such cases.
Social Media Revelations and Public Outcry
In the aftermath of the accident, several videos surfaced on social media showing the 17-year-old boy and his friends posing with expensive cars and performing car stunts. These posts have fueled public outrage and raised questions about the culture of reckless driving among youth in urban areas like Mumbai.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws, particularly regarding underage driving. Authorities are urging stricter measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of Dhrumil Patel, his family and friends are calling for justice and greater awareness about the dangers of negligent driving. The case continues to unfold, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.
