LI Network
Published on: 22 July 2023 at 11:50 IST
The driver behind the tragic accident on the ISKCON Bridge in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of nine individuals, has been sent to judicial remand till Sunday by a Gujarat court. The incident occurred at approximately 1 am on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway on Thursday morning, when Patel’s speeding luxury car collided with another vehicle and a truck, resulting in the fatal crushing of nine people who had gathered at the scene.
After the arrest, the Gujarat Police took both Tathya Patel and his father, Pragnesh Patel, to the crime spot to recreate the sequence of events. In a video captured at the location, the accused was seen expressing remorse with folded hands.
In response to the tragic accident, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called for a high-level meeting and instructed officials to take stringent action against the accused. It was decided in the meeting that the case would be expedited, with the charge sheet presented within a week. Additionally, the case will be heard in a fast-track court, and a special public prosecutor will be appointed for the proceedings.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to holding the culprits accountable through strict punitive measures to set an example in society and prevent such incidents from recurring.
In light of the accident, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. He also directed the Health Minister Rushikesh Patel to extend immediate assistance to the victims’ families at the Sola Civil Hospital, where arrangements, including medical treatment, were made.
Furthermore, CM Bhupendra Patel instructed the Chief Secretary to enhance coordination between the police, road building, urban development departments, and local authorities to strengthen CCTV camera networks and lighting on highways across the state, including those passing through cities, to monitor vehicle speeds effectively. This measure aims to enhance road safety and reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in the future.
