Father Appeals for Horse Carriage Ban After Son's Tragic Death in NYC

New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: Deepak Mahajan, the father of the Indian teenager killed in a horse carriage accident while trying to save his mother, has made an emotional appeal to the New York City Council to ban horse-drawn vehicles. This tragic incident has sparked renewed debate over the safety of horse-drawn carriages in New York City, a topic that has been contentious for decades.

"Now we are asking you plainly, 'Act now'," Mahajan told the City Council on Wednesday as a panel considered a proposed law named after his son, Romanch, who tragically lost his life last month in Central Park. The proposed legislation seeks to address safety concerns surrounding horse-drawn carriages, which have long been a popular tourist attraction in the city.

Choking back tears, he stated that if the Council had passed a version of this law proposed last year, "the carriages would have stopped on June 1st, 2026," and his son would still be alive. This statement highlights the deep sense of loss and the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies tragic accidents, particularly when they are perceived to be preventable.

Romanch was visiting New York with his parents and younger brother when the family decided to take a ride through Central Park on a horse carriage. The incident occurred when the driver dismounted to take a picture, causing the horse to bolt and throw Romanch's mother, Priya Mahajan, off the carriage. In a desperate attempt to save his mother, Romanch jumped out of the carriage but tragically hit his head on the ground, suffering a fatal injury.

"This was not an unpredictable accident," Mahajan asserted. "It was a safety violation, a system's failure to protect the people who visit our city, your city, and everyone responsible has admitted the driver should never have left that carriage." This assertion underscores the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the horse carriage industry, particularly in a bustling urban environment where safety should be a paramount concern.

He continued, "A young boy came to America full of dreams and left us far too soon," as Priya wiped her tears while holding a picture of Romanch with angel wings. The emotional weight of this tragedy resonates not only with the Mahajan family but also with many others who have experienced similar losses due to preventable accidents.

Council Speaker Julie Menin, who supports the bill, referred to Romanch as a hero. "Romanch died in an act of heroism as he tried to protect his mother. Now, a law named in his honour will protect countless others: residents, tourists, humans, and horses," she stated during the hearing held by the Council's Committee on Health. Menin's remarks reflect the growing recognition of the need to prioritize safety in the face of such tragedies.

Outside City Hall, Romanch's aunt, Sovia Thukral, expressed her support for the proposed law, stating, "I am standing here in support of Romanch's law, so that his death will not go unremembered, his passing will not be forgotten." This sentiment echoes a broader call for accountability and change in response to preventable tragedies, urging lawmakers to take decisive action.

"Death forces society to change, so that no other family has to carry the burden we carry now," she added. "Please remember his name, Romanch Mahajan." This plea emphasizes the emotional toll that such incidents take on families and communities, and the importance of advocacy in the wake of loss.

Urged by animal rights activists, the City Council has attempted for nearly 40 years to ban horse carriages, which provide nostalgic rides for tourists. The ban has faced significant opposition from the powerful trade union representing the drivers, who argue that horse-drawn carriages are an integral part of New York City's charm and history. However, Romanch's tragic death has renewed momentum for the legislation, bringing the issue back into the spotlight.

Among the notable supporters of the ban is Emmy Award-winning actress Edie Falco, who has been vocal about her concerns regarding the safety and welfare of horses used in urban carriage rides. Falco's involvement highlights the intersection of animal rights and public safety, as advocates on both sides of the issue seek to address their respective concerns.

Romanch had recently graduated from Angel's Public School in Mamun, Pathankot, and was set to attend one of India's most prestigious universities, as Deepak Mahajan shared with the Council panel. "We brought a son to New York from India to celebrate Romanch finishing school," he said. This detail adds a personal dimension to the tragedy, illustrating the dreams and aspirations that were abruptly cut short.

"He took his last breath in his mother's arms, while his 11-year-old brother and I stood watching. Now we live inside that day over and over again. We are shattered. Our whole family is shattered. The pain does not go away," he lamented. This poignant description of their grief serves as a reminder of the human cost of accidents and the lasting impact they have on families.

"We came to New York as a family of four. We are learning hour by hour to cope with life as we are three now," he concluded. This statement encapsulates the profound loss felt by the Mahajan family and the challenges they face as they navigate life after such a devastating event. It also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of city officials and the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect both residents and visitors alike.

The ongoing debate surrounding horse-drawn carriages in New York City is emblematic of larger societal issues, including the balance between tourism and public safety, the welfare of animals, and the responsibilities of lawmakers to protect their constituents. As the City Council considers the proposed legislation in Romanch's name, the implications of this tragedy may lead to significant changes in the way horse-drawn carriages are regulated in the city.

In conclusion, the emotional appeal made by Deepak Mahajan serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change in response to preventable tragedies. As the City Council deliberates on the proposed ban, the voices of those affected by such incidents should be at the forefront of the discussion, ensuring that safety remains a priority for all who visit and live in New York City.