A 14-year-old boy took his father’s car for a joyride and collided with a 63-year-old man, leaving the victim bedridden for three months. The incident, captured on the housing society’s CCTV cameras, has prompted legal actions, with the Sakinaka police recording statements and referring the case to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for legal advice.
The incident occurred on September 6 when K Subharaman, a retired advisor to a corporate law firm, stepped out for a walk near his residential complex. The boy, who was alone at home, seized the opportunity to take his father’s car keys and embark on an ill-fated drive.
Subharaman recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “Around 4 pm, I left for a walk in the building opposite mine. The boy was driving the car. As it exited the building, the car hit me from behind and dragged me for a short distance. The car then hit the side of the road.”
CCTV footage corroborates Subharaman’s account, showing him exiting the society gate and taking a left. Just behind him, the car exits the society, also taking a left, and collides with a parked autorickshaw. The car then strikes Subharaman from behind, dragging him a few steps ahead before proceeding forward and hitting the roadside.
The collision resulted in serious injuries for Subharaman, including spine injuries, specifically to L1, and injuries to the hip area. As a result, he is unable to stand or walk, and medical professionals have advised at least three months of bed rest.
Subharaman expressed his disappointment with the lack of accountability from the child’s family, stating, “The child and his parents haven’t even visited me to ask about my health. When I approached the Sakinaka police, the child’s mother came to the hospital to apologize to me. She also mentioned that her child doesn’t listen to her. Parents are equally responsible for the incident. The police should arrest the parents. Parents have a responsibility for their child.”
Sakinaka Police Sub-Inspector Prakash Vagare explained the police’s position, saying, “We have not registered an FIR as the child’s age is 14 years, which makes him a minor. We have recorded the victim’s statement as well as that of the child’s parents. They have been forwarded to the CWC for legal recommendations. We are awaiting their report.”
Subharaman, however, has urged the police to review two months’ worth of CCTV footage from the society, which reportedly shows the child frequently driving his father’s car. He insists that the police should take action against the parents for their role in the incident.