28 September,2016 09:33 AM IST | | Samiullah Khan
While the victims, all students of Std IX, were about to cross the road at Goregaon west link road opposite the Hyper city mall, the accused was returning from a function with his three friends
Their dream to become Army officers was cut short by a reckless 22-year-old, after he drove his car into the four youths in the wee hours yesterday morning. While the victims, all students of Std IX of SS Vidhyalaya were about to cross the road at Goregaon west link road opposite the Hyper city mall, the accused was returning from a function with his three friends.
Karan Deshmukh, the accused
A relative of one of the youths had joined the Indian Army recently and he inspired these boys - aged between 14 and 17 years - who sincerely exercised everyday to maintain the standards required to pass the physical examination to join the defence forces. Yesterday was nothing different, when the Goregaon residents were out for their daily jog at around 5 am, when suddenly a speeding red Volkswagen that was trying to overtake an auto, dashed into them.
Dipesh Singh lost his leg (right) Hrithik Pal escaped with a minor fracture
Seriously injured
Three out of the four - Suraj Yadav (15), Dipesh Singh (17), Harkesh Prajapati (14) and Hritik Pal (14) - were seriously injured, while one was discharged after treatment. Meanwhile, the accused, Karan Chitra Deshmukh was let off after he submitted a cash bail of Rs 10,000.
X-ray showing the broken bones of Dipesh's leg post the accident
Eyewitnesses say Deshmukh was trying to pass an auto rickshaw to take the left at the PD Bangur Chowk, Malad to reach Dheeraj Tower situated at Chincholi Bunder area but instead of slowing down, he kept up the speed, eventually hitting those four boys, who were standing at the crossing to get to the other side of the road.
Suraj Yadav and Harkesh Prajapati have suffered multiple fractures
"We were waiting at the divider to let the auto pass, when suddenly I saw this red car coming from south to north at high speed. The driver manoeuvred the car to avert dashing into the auto but lost control and hit us. I do not know what happened next. When I gained consciousness, I was in the hospital," said Hrithik Pal, who sustained a hairline fracture on his left hand and Suraj's right leg got fractured.
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Lost leg on birthday
Dipesh was hit the worst. His right leg was crushed between a divider stone and the car wheels. The doctors had to amputate the portion below his knee. The boys were also looking forward to the day, as it was Dipesh's birthday.
"Dipesh's condition is still critical. Today (Tuesday) is his birthday and we had planned to celebrate in the evening. How will I answer to my sister? My financial situation will not help me in treating my nephew. I urge the government to step in," said Samir Mhatre, Dipesh's maternal uncle with whom he stays while Dipesh's parents stay in Bihar.
Mhatre, who works as a housekeeping staff at the Hyper City mall further says that his nephew was initially admitted to Siddharth Hospital, but later was shifted to Nanavati Hospital. The sole child of his parents, Harkesh's left leg was fractured in this accident.
"How will he fulfil his dream of joining the Army now?" said Asha, Harkesh's mother, who is a housewife, while his father works in a mill.
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Eyewitness says
"I was sitting on the boundary wall of Hyper City mall when suddenly I heard a loud bang. I ran to the spot that was all bloodied, and saw the four boys lying on the road. After 30 minutes, the Bangur Nagar cops arrived and sent two injured to a hospital in an ambulance, while the other two were taken in an auto," said Rizwan Khan, an auto rickshaw driver.
Cop speak
"We have arrested Karan and have booked him under IPC sections 279, 337 and 338, along with various sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, including 184. He was produced before the Borivali court and was released on bail against Rs 10,000. We are investigating whether he was drunk when he was driving and if he is found guilty, we will levy additional charges against him," said an inspector of Bangur Nagar police station.
