Jalandhar: 13-year-old scooter rider loses life in road mishap
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 26
In a heart-wrenching incident that highlights the ongoing menace of underage driving, a 13-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic road accident, despite the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019. The law, aimed at curbing underage driving through stringent penalties, appears to be struggling to achieve its intended impact as parents continue to allow minors to drive vehicles.
Scooter ploughs into truck from behind
The fatal accident occurred near Sanjay Gandhi Nagar close to the Gadaipur area here on Monday afternoon when a trucker suddenly applied the vehicle’s brakes and a boy riding a scooter ploughed into the truck from behind. The boy Avi Malhotra of Bhagat Singh Colony, died on the spot .
The fatal accident occurred near Sanjay Gandhi Nagar close to the Gadaipur area here this afternoon when a truck suddenly applied its brakes, causing a young boy on a scooter to crash into the vehicle from behind. The boy, identified as Avi Malhotra, a resident of Bhagat Singh Colony, died on the spot from the impact.
Police officials have confirmed that Avi was on his way back home after handing over a lunch box to his neighbour at Sanjay Gandhi Nagar when the accident took place. His family, devastated by the loss, rushed to the scene only to find their only son lying lifeless on the road. Their cries of sorrow at the accident scene painted a poignant picture of the irreversible consequences of underage driving.
After the passersby reported the incident at the control room, the police from Division Number-8 arrived promptly at the scene to begin their investigation. ACP North Sheetal Singh, who also reached the spot, expressed concern over the ongoing issue of minors being allowed to drive. He reiterated the need for parents to understand the dangers and legal consequences of letting children operate vehicles.
“We urge all parents not to give vehicles to minors under any circumstances,” the ACP said, emphasising the importance of adhering to the law.
Despite numerous awareness campaigns and special drives by the police, urging parents to take responsibility and prevent underage driving, incidents like this continue to occur.
The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019 was designed to enforce stricter punishments and hefty fines for those found violating the rules, but the tragedy in Jalandhar indicates that many are still not taking the law seriously.
Meanwhile, the truck involved in the accident was immediately impounded by the police, though the driver reportedly fled the scene. The ACP North said they were reviewing the CCTV footage from the area to identify and apprehend the driver responsible for the accident. A case was registered and the investigation was ongoing, he said.
