A woman from Ambaulim has reportedly written to Fatorda police seeking justice for her son who was grievously injured in a hit-and-run accident which occurred at Mungul and is battling for life at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. The boy was run over after his two wheeler was hit from behind. In a hit-and-run case reported at Dhargal, Pernem, during detailed investigation the police have reportedly concluded that deceased was indeed murdered by the accused persons.
It is learnt that the accused persons allegedly killed the victim over a petty dispute and tried to pass it off as a hit-and-run case. While looking for another angle into this case, the police found out that the accused deliberately hit and chased the driver who then later crushed him under their vehicle. An accident is described as a hit-and-run case when a person is struck by a vehicle, and the driver leaves the scene without checking on the victim or calling for help. If apprehended and convicted in a hit-and-run case, the punishment is much less than that for a murder case. IPC Section 302 prescribes the punishment for murder with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
There are several hit-and-run cases being reported in the State. While such accidents can leave the victim physically maimed for life, it can also lead to fatality. It seems prudent for the police to investigate hit-and-run cases from the murder/attempt to murder angle also if there is even the slightest suspicion. Vehicles could be used as “murder weapons” by those wanting to commit murder with the intention of getting away with the crime.
