Gurugram hit-and-run victim Sia: 'People related to it, that's why it became a national issue'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gurugram hit-and-run victim Shivani Chauhan, known as Sia, said on Friday, 18 September that the case resonated across the country because people from all walks of life have experienced similar moments of vulnerability on the road — and that her fight for justice extends far beyond her own circumstances.
Why the Case Struck a National Chord
Speaking about the widespread public support the case has drawn, Sia said, 'Everyone has supported this cause because everyone has related to this issue. Somewhere or another, some female biker, some girl in some way, or any ordinary person has experienced a similar incident happening to them at some point in their life.'
She added that the outpouring of solidarity reflects a deeper anxiety in society: 'People who believe that the perpetrators must be punished are supporting this because there is no value left for humanity in people's minds anymore; there is no value left for a human life. People have begun to think they are above the law.'
Sia's Charge: The Accused Believe They Can Escape
Sia alleged that those who hit her were confident they could evade consequences. 'They feel that by posting some videos, they can change the narrative. They can shift the blame and gain sympathy,' she said. She argued that such impunity points to a systemic failure: 'If someone thinks that they are above the law, then it is the latter's fault for enabling such behaviour, by not punishing their ignorance and arrogance.'
A Broader Fight for Justice
'If I am raising my voice today about injustice, then it is just not for me but for all others who might have faced similar circumstances, be it a man or a woman,' Sia stated. She emphasised that a firm judicial outcome in this case could set a precedent that deters future offenders. 'I believe justice should prevail, and it should set precedence for another such incident,' she added.
Court Sends Accused to Judicial Custody
A Gurugram court on Friday remanded the two accused — driver Kalyan Bainsla and his cousin Lavneesh — to 14 days of judicial custody. Both will be produced before the court again once the custody period ends. The court order marks a significant procedural step as the legal proceedings against the pair formally move forward.
This comes amid growing calls on social media and in civil society for stronger road-safety enforcement and swifter justice in cases where accused persons are perceived to have used privilege or social influence to delay accountability.