The parents of 34-year-old Sarthak Mattoo, who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run incident in southwest Delhi on June 25, have released an emotional video appeal seeking justice, alleging that the investigation has been delayed and that the accused are roaming free.
Father's Anguished Plea
In the over-three-minute video recorded at their home, Surendra Mattoo, with folded hands and a trembling voice, says, "They left my son on the road to die. Such killers are roaming free while we are grieving." He vows to sell everything he owns to ensure those responsible are brought to book. His wife, Anuradha, sits beside him in tears, clutching hope for justice.
The couple, who describe themselves as "half dead" after losing their only child, recount the events of June 25. According to police, Sarthak, a Gurugram resident working with an event management company, was riding his motorcycle towards Noida when a Mahindra Thar allegedly rammed into his bike near the Rajokri flyover in Vasant Kunj. He was rushed to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre but was declared brought dead.
Allegations of Investigation Delays
Questioning the pace of the investigation, Surendra Mattoo says, "My only son was hit by drunk men. It took more than 50 hours for the police to get their blood samples. After 50 hours, will the blood sample show the same amount of alcohol?" He claims eyewitnesses photographed the vehicle and noted its registration number immediately after the crash, yet police took nearly two days to act.
He alleges that the speeding Thar, traveling at around 120 km/h, was trying to overtake another vehicle when it swerved and hit his son's motorcycle. The driver fled the spot without helping. Sarthak was wearing a helmet, which protected his head, but the impact left his lower body "completely devastated," the father says.
Arrest and Bail of Accused
Police have said that the offending Thar was traced and seized, and its registered owner was identified as a Bengaluru-based private company employee. The vehicle had been leased to Sagar Saha, who told investigators that at the time of the accident, the SUV was being driven by his friend, Apurv Singh. Singh was arrested and medically examined at Safdarjung Hospital. Blood samples have been sent for forensic examination. However, he was granted bail as the offence is bailable, a police officer said.
The father alleges he was later informed that the accused had been released, a claim that could not be independently verified. Police have earlier said that one accused has been arrested and the investigation is continuing.
Family's Background and Plea for Intervention
Surendra Mattoo appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to intervene. He describes his son's academic achievements: Sarthak studied at GD Goenka Public School, completed Economics Honours from Pune, a postgraduate degree in arts from Shri Ram College of Arts, and a master's degree in London. The father says he advised his son not to return to India after studying abroad, but Sarthak came back to take care of his parents.
Invoking the family's past, he says, "We are Kashmiri Pandits. Our houses were set ablaze. Our parents died. We have suffered so much. Now our only son has also been taken away."
Mother's Statement
Anuradha Mattoo told PTI that police have not done their work properly, as they took so much time to arrest the accused and then left them on bail. "Even as they had the number plate of the car and everything. These accused also have no conscience, as they fled after hitting them. They must have been drunk since they were driving at this speed," she said.
The video has spread rapidly across social media, drawing sympathy and calls for justice. The grieving father concludes, "Please give my son justice. That is all we want."
