A grieving father pleads for justice after his son was killed in a hit-and-run, as the suspects are released on bail due to legal loopholes.
New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: On June 25, a devastating call shattered a family's world. At just after 7 am, the phone rang, and the news was unbearable: "Sarthak has met with an accident. He has been taken to the hospital." By the time his family arrived, they were met with the heartbreaking words, "Sorry, he's no more." This tragic event is a stark reminder of the dangers present on the roads and the profound impact of reckless driving.
Sarthak Mattoo, a dedicated employee at an event management company in Gurugram, was on his way to a meeting in Noida when tragedy struck. The accident occurred near the Rajokri border close to Delhi's Vasant Kunj locality, a busy area known for its traffic congestion and the mix of commercial and residential zones. This particular stretch of road has seen its share of accidents, raising concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws.
A passerby witnessed the accident and took a picture of the Mahindra Thar SUV involved, which bore a Karnataka registration number. He promptly called the police, but by the time Sarthak reached the hospital, it was too late. The occupants of the vehicle had fled the scene, leaving him to bleed on the road. Such hit-and-run incidents are tragically common, often leaving victims without the assistance they desperately need in their final moments.
According to police reports, Sagar Saha from Bihar and Apoorva Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, were attending an engagement party in Mayapuri, West Delhi, before the incident. They left for Gurugram around 2:30 am and went for a joyride between 6 am and 6:30 am, which raises questions about their state of mind and physical condition. The late-night party and subsequent driving may have contributed to impaired judgment and reckless behavior, a situation that is all too familiar in cases of road accidents involving young adults.
"You are coming from Delhi to Gurugram at 2:30 am, and at 6 am you are going on a drive. This means that you are sleep-deprived, and your body is not 100% functional. Maybe they would have taken drugs... who knows. They went on the drive. And as luck would have it, they hit my only child. And the worst part is that they left him on the road. They did not help him."
The emotional weight of such statements reflects the deep sense of loss and frustration felt by the grieving family. The father’s words resonate with many who have experienced similar tragedies, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in the face of reckless behavior on the roads.
The following day, the police informed Sarthak's family that they had apprehended the suspects. However, they were released on bail under Sections 281 (rash driving) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections are bailable, allowing the suspects to roam free despite the gravity of their actions. The release of the suspects sparked outrage among the victim's family and the community, who feel that the legal system is failing to provide justice for victims of such crimes.
"He comes in my dreams and says, ‘Papa, I need justice.’ I am not able to sleep. Look at us... we are devastated. I am not letting them go scot-free. What else is left in our lives? We lost our only child."
The family is particularly frustrated that the hit-and-run provision under Section 106(2) of the BNS has not yet been implemented, allowing the suspects to evade more serious consequences. This provision, which would impose stricter penalties for hit-and-run offenses, has been a topic of debate among lawmakers and advocates for road safety. The lack of enforcement of this law has raised concerns about the adequacy of legal protections for victims and their families.
In a heartfelt plea, the father calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and the Delhi Police Commissioner for justice. He emphasizes that this law, currently in abeyance due to protests by truck drivers, should be enacted to prevent future tragedies. The implications of such a law are significant; stricter penalties could deter reckless driving and ultimately save lives.
"Today, we are in pain; tomorrow, someone else may be appealing in pain. What will you do then? We are common people. We do not have any influence, so we are making this appeal with the help of the media. Somebody needs to take a call and change this law." The father's words highlight the powerlessness felt by many families who have lost loved ones to road accidents, particularly when the legal system appears to favor the perpetrators over the victims.
On June 27, Abhimanyu Poswal, Additional DCP of South West Delhi, stated, "Immediately after the information was given to us about the accident, an FIR was registered and the investigation was started. The offending vehicle in the case, a Mahindra Thar, was traced." This response from the police indicates a level of urgency in addressing the incident, yet the subsequent release of the suspects on bail raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in holding offenders accountable.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was registered to a private company and leased to Sagar Saha. This detail complicates the case, as it introduces questions about liability and responsibility. Sagar claimed that Apoorva Singh was driving the car at the time of the accident. Apoorva was apprehended and sent for a medical examination, with the investigation ongoing. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by the victim's family and the community, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
The tragic death of Sarthak Mattoo serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and the importance of holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions. It also highlights the emotional toll that such incidents take on families, who are left grappling with grief and a desire for justice. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for lawmakers and law enforcement to consider the implications of their actions and the message they send regarding road safety and accountability.
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