A speeding Innova car rammed into seven vehicles, including a couple of four-wheelers parked near MHADA back road in Versova area, Andheri (west) on early Sunday morning but the police have refused to register a FIR against the driver as nobody has been injured in the incident. Instead, the Versova police have made an entry in their records, which would help the victims to claim insurance.
The incident is said to have occurred around 6 am near Janki Devi School in which five two-wheelers, a Maruti Swift and an Alto car have been damaged. The Versova police has given the victims a Traffic Accident Diary (TAD) report, which could be used to claim insurance.
Twenty eight-year-old Ameya Khanwalkar is miffed, as his Yamaha Fazer bike has been damaged completely in the collision. “Even if they do register an FIR and the accused gets convicted, there is no law, which says that I can get compensation from the accused,” he said. Mr Khanwalkar was angry over the fact that he will have to pay for the heavy damages and the driver who caused it will get away.
Rajesh Pal, a watchman said, “My bike has been damaged too. It was a second hand bike worth Rs 35,000. It’s a huge loss for me. If the driver has damaged my bike then why shouldn’t he bear the losses ”
When contacted, lawyer turned activist Y.P. Singh said, “The police must register an FIR under section 279 (Rash driving or riding on a public way) and under section 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs 50) of the IPC against the accused person.”
Dr Olav Albuquerque another journalist turned lawyer said, “The police does not want to register the FIR as it increases their work. They have to register a case under section 279 and 427 IPC.”
Deputy commissioner of police, Satya Narayan said, “I will look into the matter if the victims approach me.” However, senior police inspector, Arundhati Rane, said she would look into the matter.
