Daijiworld Media Network – Margao
Margao, May 28: Margao police have invoked an attempt to murder charge against the driver of a rent-a-cab involved in a serious road accident on NH66 at Sirlim, in which a woman scooter rider sustained critical injuries after being allegedly knocked down by the vehicle.
The accused, identified as 19-year-old Swaraj Jagtap, a native of Maharashtra, was booked after police claimed the circumstances surrounding the accident indicated clear knowledge that the act was dangerous and could likely result in death.
Defending the move to invoke the stringent charge, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sidhant Shirodkar said the case contained all the elements required for attempt to murder.
“Preliminary circumstances of the case, including the dangerous overtaking from the left side, the deliberate and forceful impact upon a vulnerable two-wheeler rider, the severity of injuries caused, the nature of collision, and the subsequent act of absconding from the scene, prima facie disclose knowledge and awareness on the part of the accused that such acts were imminently dangerous and likely to cause death,” he said.
According to police, the accused was driving the vehicle in an “extremely rash, reckless, dangerous and life-endangering manner” with complete disregard for public safety.
“The driver allegedly undertook a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre from the left side and knowingly rammed the rear side of an Activa scooter which was proceeding in the same direction,” the officer added.
Margao Police Station in-charge PI Arun Desai, who is investigating the case, said the conduct of the accused after the accident also played a major role in invoking the attempt to murder charge.
“After causing the incident, the accused driver fled from the spot without stopping the vehicle, without rendering medical assistance to the grievously injured victim and without informing the police authorities, thereby demonstrating complete insensitivity and conscious disregard towards the life and safety of the injured person,” PI Desai said.
Police said the case was cracked within hours of the accident.
Meanwhile, SDPO Shirodkar assured a delegation led by Alton D'Costa that the investigation would be expedited and the charge sheet filed within a fortnight.
The police decision to invoke the attempt to murder charge is expected to come under judicial scrutiny once the matter reaches court.