Taxi menace: Why can't driver be booked for murder, asks husband

Locals surround the ambulance carrying Supriya Kattimanigaudar’s body on Sunday; (right) Supriya Kattimanigaudar

The death of 35-year-old Supriya Kattimanigaudar triggered a public outcry on Sunday when her body was handed over to her family. The deceased's husband and local residents, who gathered in masses and surrounded the ambulance bearing the body, demanded the shutting down of share taxi services.

They also ensured that the police acknowledged seven of their demands on stamp paper. A crowd of around 500 had become furious and even attempted to stop traffic.

Supriya was knocked down by a speeding share taxi near Dosti Acres in Wadala around 8.30 pm on Saturday.

Mahesh Thakur (right) and advocate Harikesh Sharma

The impact of the accident was such that her head got crushed. The deceased was living with her husband and four children at Indira Nagar, Wadala East.

By the time the body of the deceased was brought from KEM hospital to Indira Nagar at 7 pm, residents had gathered to stage a protest against the police. The locals alleged that the cops were being lenient towards the accused who walked free the very night of the incident. They also demanded a complete ban on share taxis.

Also Read: Mumbai Crime: Rash driving cabbie kills woman in Wadala

The Wadala cops eventually had to resort to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd but locals were firm on getting some assurances from cops.

Finally, Inspector Mangesh Shinde and other staff spoke with Supriya's family and acknowledged their demands, which included booking drivers involved in fatal accidents under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, helping the deceased's family get accommodation in government quarters, helping the family to get insurance money from the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal as well as banning share taxis. Cops signed the stamp paper in front of the residents and when it was announced that demands will be fulfilled the crowd went home.

Babu Kattimanigaudar, husband of the deceased, said, "The driver of the cab was let off on bail after paying R15,000. Is this justice? Is this a cost of human life? Why can't they book the driver for murder? Also on Saturday, they [cops and local leaders] claimed share cabs would be stopped, but they are still running. Are they waiting for another death?"

NC against lawyer, cyclist

A couple of hours after the fatal accident, local residents Mahesh Thakur and advocate Harikesh Sharma happened to spot the damaged taxi and a parked vehicle that it had damaged. "I made a video about how speeding occurs on the road leading to Barkat Ali Naka. I am a cyclist and face serious challenges while riding as cabbies drive recklessly. Cops at the spot immediately rushed towards me and asked me to stop filming," said Thakur.

The duo was taken to Wadala police station and a non-cognisable offence was registered against them for obstructing a public servant from discharging their duty, criminal intimidation and breach of peace. "It was strange. We didn't interfere with police work. Since when has making such videos become an offence," asked Sharma.

Asked about this, Senior Inspector Milind Jadhav of Wadala police station replied, "I have to check the facts of
the incident." He added, "I had a meeting with BMC officials and traffic cops regarding stopping share taxis. We have also demanded additional signage and speed breakers. Allegations of police helping the accused are baseless."

7 pm
Time on Sunday when body was handed over to kin