MAPUSA
A 32-year-old man from Siolim was killed on the spot and his minor nephew critically injured after a speeding Thar SUV, allegedly driven by a drunk driver, rammed into their two-wheeler at Fernandes vaddo in Marna, Siolim, in the early hours of Friday, triggering outrage among locals and reigniting concerns over reckless driving on Goa’s roads.
The deceased, identified as Sanket Dabholkar from Dando, Siolim, was riding the scooter when the impact of the collision flung both riders onto the road. Dabholkar succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while his minor nephew, who was riding pillion, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
The accused driver, identified as Yadu Krishnan Kumar, a native of Kerala presently residing and employed in Siolim, was detained by the Anjuna Police soon after the accident. Police sources said the Thar SUV was allegedly being driven under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
A police official privy to the investigation stated that a breath analyser test conducted at the scene indicated that the driver was intoxicated.
“The driver has been sent for medical examination and all necessary legal action will be initiated as per law,” the officer said.
A chilling CCTV footage of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, captures the SUV speeding moments before crashing into the scooter and eventually smashing into a roadside wall, underlining the sheer force and severity of the collision.
The incident sparked widespread anger across Siolim and other parts of the State, with locals and netizens expressing shock over the rising number of fatal accidents allegedly linked to rash and drunken driving. Residents also pointed to a disturbing pattern of reckless driving involving SUVs and tourist vehicles on Goa’s roads.
Soon after the accident, a large group of angry residents marched to the Anjuna Police Station demanding justice for the deceased and stringent action against the accused driver. Protesters questioned the effectiveness of traffic enforcement and accused authorities of failing to curb drunken and dangerous driving despite repeated fatal accidents.
Police have registered an FIR against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Further investigation is underway.
Reacting to the tragedy, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo called for strict action against the accused and stronger traffic enforcement measures.
“Too many young lives are being lost in road accidents. The traffic police need to pull up their socks and bring some semblance of discipline on the roads to reduce such tragedies,” Lobo said.
Friday’s fatal accident has once again exposed the deadly consequences of drunken and reckless driving, even as concerns continue to mount over inadequate road policing and the growing menace of high-speed driving in North Goa’s coastal belt.
