Raipur
A 14-year-old boy died and his younger sister sustained serious injuries after a police towing vehicle hit their electric scooter in the Civil Lines area on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 7.50 am near the Chhattisgarh Club gate, close to the Chief Minister’s official residence.
The deceased has been identified as Ansh Athwani, a student of Scholars English School. His sister, 10-year-old Navisha, who was riding pillion, is currently undergoing treatment at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital.
Details of the incident
The siblings were on their way to school when the speeding police vehicle, used for towing, struck their scooter from behind. The impact caused Ansh to fall under the wheels of the heavy vehicle, leading to his death on the spot. Local residents noted that while the children usually travelled by an auto-rickshaw, they had opted to use the scooter on Friday.
Civil Lines Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ramakant Sahu confirmed that the police vehicle was being driven at a high speed. The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident, leaving the vehicle behind.
Authorities take note
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio, has been informed of the tragedy. Senior police officials visited the spot and have assured a thorough investigation into the lapse.
The accident has reignited the local debate regarding minors operating motorised vehicles. While the police have launched a probe into the driver’s negligence, officials are also expected to address the issue of underage driving as part of a wider road safety awareness drive in the capital.
