In a heart-wrenching incident, a 14-year-old girl from Vasai lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on Wednesday afternoon. The tragedy occurred as she was walking towards a bus stop after school, turning an ordinary day into a devastating nightmare for her family and community.
The victim, identified as Shaista Imran Shah, was a bright and lively Class 9 student at an Urdu-medium school in Vasai (West). Her school was a short distance from where the accident unfolded, near St Gonsalo Garcia College of Arts and Commerce. Around 12:30 p.m., as Shaista was making her way to the bus stop, a speeding bike struck her. The impact was severe, leaving her critically injured.
The rider of the bike, instead of stopping to help, fled the scene. Shockingly, the bike was left behind but bore no number plates, complicating immediate identification. Witnesses in the area described the moments after the collision as chaotic, with bystanders rushing to Shaista’s aid. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors did their best to save her. Tragically, her injuries proved too severe, and she succumbed shortly after being admitted.
Police Investigation Underway
The local police swung into action following the accident. An FIR was promptly filed under Section 106 (1) of the Bombay Negligence Statute (BNS), categorizing the incident as ‘causing death by negligence.’ Investigators quickly turned their attention to identifying the suspect. Using the bike’s chassis number, they traced the vehicle to a man named Rohit Jadhav. However, when police teams visited Jadhav’s residence, he was nowhere to be found.
Police have since seized the bike and launched a manhunt to locate Jadhav. Multiple teams have been deployed to track him down, and authorities are optimistic about apprehending the suspect soon. In the meantime, the community has been left grappling with the loss of a young life and the unsettling fact that the person responsible is still at large.
Community Mourns the Loss
Shaista’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through her school and the local community. Teachers described her as a diligent and kind-hearted student who had a promising future ahead of her. Her classmates are struggling to come to terms with the fact that someone they saw just hours earlier is no longer with them.
Neighbors and friends gathered at Shaista’s home to offer their condolences and support to her grieving family. The atmosphere in the neighborhood is somber, with many expressing their anger and frustration over the reckless behavior that led to such a tragedy. “This could have been avoided if people drove responsibly and followed traffic rules,” said one resident.
A Call for Accountability and Safer Roads
The incident has also sparked discussions about road safety and the responsibility of drivers. The absence of a number plate on the bike raises questions about how such vehicles manage to ply on public roads unnoticed by authorities. Many residents are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more rigorous checks to ensure vehicles meet safety standards.
Local activist groups have taken this incident as an opportunity to highlight the need for better pedestrian infrastructure in the area. “The lack of proper sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings makes it extremely unsafe for students and other pedestrians,” said a spokesperson for a road safety advocacy group.
Parents’ Worst Nightmare
For Shaista’s family, the loss is immeasurable. Her parents are inconsolable, grappling with the harsh reality of losing their daughter in such a sudden and senseless manner. Friends of the family have started a community effort to provide emotional and financial support during this difficult time.
“She was the apple of her parents’ eyes,” said a family friend. “It’s hard to imagine how they will recover from this.” The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss and prepare for Shaista’s final rites.
The Next Steps
As the police continue their search for Rohit Jadhav, they are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. Authorities have assured the community that they are committed to bringing the culprit to justice and ensuring accountability.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of negligence and reckless behavior on the road. It underscores the importance of adhering to traffic rules and exercising caution, especially in areas frequented by children and pedestrians.
Shaista’s death is not just a personal loss for her family but a collective one for the community. It is a call to action for stricter road safety measures and a reminder of the fragility of life. As Vasai mourns the loss of one of its young residents, the hope remains that such tragedies can be prevented in the future through awareness, responsibility, and accountability.
