Gujarat: Key Suspect Detained in Surat Hit-and-Run Incident
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Synopsis
Gujarat Police have arrested the main suspect in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Surat, where two family members lost their lives. The suspect, Kirtan Dankhara, was detained after a thorough investigation involving multiple police teams.
Key Takeaways
- The main suspect in the Surat hit-and-run has been arrested.
- Kirtan Dankhara was allegedly speeding and struck multiple pedestrians.
- The incident led to the deaths of two family members.
- Authorities are conducting medical tests on the suspect.
- Gujarat has seen a sharp rise in hit-and-run cases recently.
Surat, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Gujarat Police have apprehended the primary suspect in the hit-and-run incident that claimed the lives of two family members in Surat.
This tragic event occurred in the Laskana area of Surat a few days back. The suspect has been identified as Kirtan Dankhara.
According to reports, Dankhara was allegedly driving at a high velocity, striking several pedestrians and leading to the fatalities of two individuals from the same family.
Upon being presented to the media on Sunday, Dankhara became emotional but chose to remain silent.
A police spokesperson indicated that four specialized teams had been formed, and a technical investigation was undertaken to locate him.
Sources suggest that Dankhara had been evading capture near the railway station, where he was eventually caught. Investigations indicate that he had attended a gathering at a farmhouse close to Kamrej prior to the incident.
Authorities have mandated a medical assessment of the suspect, including the collection of hair and blood samples, to ascertain if he was under the influence during the time of the accident.
Meanwhile, forensic teams have finished a Panchnama (on-site legal documentation), and the RTO has been notified to collect additional technical information regarding the vehicle involved.
Between 2020-21 and 2022-23, Gujarat witnessed a total of 4,860 hit-and-run incidents, resulting in 3,449 deaths and 2,700 injuries.
A year-by-year analysis reveals 1,499 cases in 2020-21, 1,591 in 2021-22, and 1,770 in 2022-23, highlighting a concerning upward trend.
In the year 2022-23 alone, Gujarat reported an average of one hit-and-run fatality approximately every eight hours, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Among the various districts, Sabarkantha recorded the highest number of fatalities, totaling 94 in a single year. In urban regions, Rajkot led in hit-and-run incidents, indicating that reckless driving and high-speed behavior continue to pose significant challenges.
The state government and law enforcement bodies are under increasing pressure to tackle this crisis, with calls for stricter penalties, enhanced surveillance, and expedited legal actions against offenders.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, introduced tougher penalties for hit-and-run situations, yet its enforcement in Gujarat appears to be inconsistent.
