Justice Delivered: Tribunal Holds Driver Accountable for Fatal Burari Crash
In a significant ruling that brings closure to a tragic case, a Delhi Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal has rejected attempts to blame an unidentified auto-rickshaw and held the driver and owners responsible for the death of a 22-year-old woman in a 2020 Burari accident. The tribunal awarded the victim's family over Rs 25 lakh in compensation, delivering justice after a thorough examination of evidence.
The Fatal Night: What Actually Happened
The tragic incident occurred around 9:30 pm near a government hospital in Kaushik Enclave when Shilpa, a young henna artist, was traveling with her friend Anjali and driver Rohit Sharma on a motorcycle heading toward Nathupara. Contrary to the respondents' claims that an auto-rickshaw caused the accident, the investigation revealed the motorcycle was speeding and being driven recklessly when all three occupants suddenly lost balance and fell.
Presiding Officer Ruchika Singla carefully examined the evidence, noting that CCTV footage reviewed by investigating officers clearly showed the trio riding at high speed before suddenly toppling over. Although the footage wasn't produced in court, both investigating officers confirmed watching it, and their testimony proved crucial in establishing the actual sequence of events.
Medical Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The medical evidence presented left no doubt about the cause of death. The medico-legal certificate from Lok Nayak Hospital recorded that Shilpa was brought in with a history of a road traffic accident. The post-mortem report specifically noted "cranio-cerebral damage consequent to injury to head caused by blunt force/surface impact."
Singla observed that these medical findings directly linked the accident to her death, leaving no room for alternative explanations. The tribunal also noted several concerning factors that compounded the driver's responsibility: Rohit Sharma failed to produce his driving licence during proceedings, and the investigation revealed that the motorcycle itself was unregistered.
Compensation for Irreparable Loss
The tribunal's compensation award of over Rs 25 lakh acknowledges the significant loss suffered by Shilpa's family. The 22-year-old victim was an unmarried henna artist earning over Rs 21,000 monthly and lived in Burari with her parents. Her income provided crucial financial support to the family, making the compensation not just symbolic but necessary for their future wellbeing.
The detailed accident report, chargesheet, and the driver's indictment all contributed to establishing the clear sequence of events that led to this preventable tragedy. The respondents' attempt to shift blame to an unidentified auto-rickshaw failed completely as they could not substantiate their claim with any credible evidence.
This ruling serves as an important reminder about road safety responsibility and accountability in India's capital, where traffic accidents remain a pressing concern. The tribunal's thorough examination of evidence, including CCTV findings, medical reports, and witness statements, sets a precedent for how such cases should be handled to ensure justice for victims and their families.
