Daijiworld Media Network – Thane

Thane, Aug 5: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has granted a compensation of Rs 49.46 lakh to the parents of 24-year-old IT engineer Swapnil Suresh Gulvi, who lost his life in a tragic road accident in January 2019.

The tribunal, led by member R V Mohite, passed the order on August 2, noting contributory negligence in the incident, assigning 75 per cent fault to the truck driver and 25 per cent to the deceased motorcyclist.

According to the claim filed by the victim’s parents, Swapnil Gulvi was riding his motorcycle on Ghodbunder Road when he attempted to overtake a bus near a bus stop. The two-wheeler allegedly hit the bus, causing him to fall, after which a speeding truck coming from behind ran over his head, resulting in his death on the spot.

Gulvi was an IT professional drawing a monthly salary of Rs 30,000. The tribunal noted that the bus driver could not be held responsible, as no evidence proved sudden braking on his part. However, it held that both the deceased and the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance, thereby sharing blame for the mishap.

"The entire negligence lies with the rear vehicles—of the deceased and the driver of the offending truck," the tribunal observed, pointing out that the truck was being driven at excessive speed.

Taking into account future income loss, prospects, and other damages, the tribunal fixed the total compensation at Rs 65.94 lakh. After factoring in the deceased’s 25 per cent contributory negligence, the final payable amount stood at Rs 49.46 lakh.

The MACT directed the truck owner and insurer to jointly and severally disburse the compensation to the claimants along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date of the petition filing.