Delhi police have booked the father of a 17-year-old boy whose SUV struck and killed 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra in Dwarka on February 3rd. The incident, which also injured a taxi driver, has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of road safety and accountability in the capital. The father, who runs a commercial transport business, has publicly apologized and stated his cooperation with the investigation, but now faces legal consequences under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The tragedy unfolded near the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, when a Scorpio SUV collided head-on with Dhaneshra’s Yamaha R15 motorcycle at approximately 11:50 am. The SUV then struck a parked Swift Dzire taxi, injuring the driver, Ajit Singh. Sahil Dhaneshra was pronounced dead at the scene, succumbing to catastrophic injuries, including a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow fracture, according to the post-mortem report. The case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the legal ramifications for vehicle owners when minors are involved in traffic offenses.
Father Admits Vehicle Belongs to Business, Expresses Regret
Speaking to the media after questioning by police, the accused’s father expressed his “deep grief” over the incident. He stated he was not in the city at the time of the crash and was unaware his son was driving the vehicle. “My wife told me about the accident. I didn’t know my son was driving,” he said, adding that his son was on his way to drop off his daughter. He further stated, “I am regretful that this happened. I can imagine what pain the [victim’s] family must be going through.”
The father emphasized his willingness to comply with the law, acknowledging that the vehicle involved is used in his commercial transport business. He explained that challans (traffic violations) on the vehicle are typically attributed to the drivers employed by the business, not his son. He also clarified reports of his daughter filming a video in the car, stating it was a “short video” and not a “reel,” as initially alleged.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh confirmed that the father has been booked under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners liable when a juvenile commits a traffic offense. “Initially, the boy had lied about his age. Now, based on the findings, the father of the boy will be chargesheeted under the MV Act,” Singh stated, according to Hindustan Times.
The minor driver was initially presented before the Juvenile Justice Board on February 4th and sent to an observation home. He was granted interim bail on February 10th to appear for his Class 10 board examinations. Police have seized all vehicles involved and are conducting mechanical inspections and reviewing CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation.
Victim’s Mother Calls for Justice
Sahil Dhaneshra’s mother, Inna Makan, has publicly appealed for justice, describing her son’s death as the result of a “reckless teen’s” actions. She stated her son was just 10 minutes away from his workplace when the crash occurred. Dhaneshra, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher education in the UK later this year. “My son was lying on the road for 10 minutes. Help came late. I seek action against the boy. He should not have been driving,” she said.
The autopsy report, as detailed by Gulf News, confirmed that Sahil Dhaneshra died from severe internal bleeding and a skull fracture sustained during the collision. The report also indicated significant head trauma and a blood clot beneath the scalp.
The investigation into the Dwarka SUV crash continues, with authorities focused on determining the full extent of the circumstances leading to the tragedy and ensuring accountability for all parties involved. The case underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and responsible vehicle ownership.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will likely shift to the charges against the accused’s father and the potential penalties he may face. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar incidents involving juvenile drivers and parental responsibility in the future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or trauma, please reach out for support. Resources are available at the National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
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