Delhi court convicts ex-DTC driver in 2021 crash that killed man
A Delhi court has convicted a former Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus driver for rash and negligent driving that resulted in the death of a man in a 2021 hit-and-run case, observing that his conduct was "manifestly and indubitably fraught with rashness."
Judicial Magistrate Twinkle Chawla was hearing the case registered by Inderpuri police against Karan Singh under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.
According to the prosecution, Singh was driving a CNG-powered DTC bus on DPS Marg near the NASC Complex in Inderpuri when he rammed into a two-wheeler from behind.
Amit Singh, who was riding the motorcycle with his brother as pillion, fell onto the road and was crushed under the rear tyre of the bus.
The court noted that the impact was severe, resulting in a skull fracture and tyre marks on the victim's chest and neck.
In its August 17 order, the court rejected Singh's defence that the bus was not involved in the accident, relying on the testimony of the victim's brother as well as technical evidence.
The mechanical inspection of the bus revealed "dried blood marks on outer surface of tyre, dried flesh, brain (matter) on inside arch surface of rear outer tyre," the court noted.
The court also observed that the accident occurred during peak morning hours and that the bus was not being driven in its designated lane.
It said a professional driver operating a large vehicle such as a CNG DTC bus was expected to exercise greater care and caution to protect other road users and passengers.
The court noted that there was no mechanical failure in the bus's brakes, according to the inspection report, and that the driver failed to slow down or apply the brakes in time.
"The accused did not bother to slow down the speed and failed to apply the brakes in time, resulting in the collision and thereafter, running over the victim," the court said.
It further observed that while there was no precise instrument to mathematically establish rashness or negligence, a prudent driver would understand the dangers of continuing at high speed after spotting a smaller vehicle ahead.
"Every prudent driver understands that in case the vehicle is not slowed down, even after spotting a smaller vehicle ahead, while driving the vehicle at a high speed, the act is fraught with predictable dangers and the consequences may be disastrous," the court said.
The court said the accused applied the brakes only after the collision and after the victim had been run over.
"This act of the accused was manifestly and indubitably fraught with rashness and negligence. Rashness and negligence are writ large," it said while convicting Singh.
The court has listed the matter for Monday to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence.
(With inputs from PTI)
