Nagpur: The Second Capital of Maharashtra is witnessing a sharp increase in hit-and-run accidents, raising alarm among both citizens and the administration. Data provided by the Nagpur Police reveals a troubling trend: Nearly half of the accidents reported this year involve drivers fleeing the scene. Between January and August, 45% of the 829 accidents were classified as hit-and-runs, with 379 cases involving perpetrators speeding away without providing assistance to victims, a local newspaper reported.
This disturbing pattern has sparked significant concern, particularly due to the high percentage of unresolved cases. Despite efforts by the police, 46% of hit-and-run incidents remain unsolved, leaving many families without justice. Moreover, the data shows that hit-and-run drivers were responsible for 55% of road fatalities in Nagpur, with 140 of the 254 people killed in accidents this year falling victim to such cases.
One of the most pressing challenges for the police is the time and location of these accidents. According to a report by a local daily, the majority of hit-and-run incidents occur between 6 pm and 2 am, when roads are quieter and drivers find it easier to flee undetected. Most accidents happen on the outskirts of the city, where police face difficulties in locating eyewitnesses and gathering evidence.
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Saturday 05 Oct. 2024
The report indicates that many drivers panic after accidents, fleeing the scene in hopes of avoiding legal consequences. However, authorities insist that perpetrators can be tracked using various methods, and fleeing only worsens their situation. DCP Traffic Archit Chandak highlighted that the lack of CCTV cameras in critical areas is a major obstacle to solving these cases. He added that many accidents occur in regions with fewer cameras or poor-quality footage, which hampers investigations.
Nagpur Police have consistently urged the Nagpur Smart and Sustainable Development Corporation Limited (NSSDCL) to increase the number of CCTV cameras across the city and improve their quality. Despite these requests, the current situation remains a major concern. Families of victims have criticized the police for their inability to solve many hit-and-run cases, leaving them in distress and without closure.
Experts believe that a more compassionate approach could help reduce the number of hit-and-run incidents. DCP Chandak emphasized that if drivers assist victims and rush them to the hospital, it could significantly increase the chances of survival. Moreover, showing remorse and helping the injured could result in more lenient legal treatment, as it demonstrates that the accident was unintentional.
Despite ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible, the number of unsolved cases remains high. Of the 379 hit-and-run incidents reported this year, only 203 have been solved, leaving 176 (46%) cases unresolved. This has caused immense pain for families seeking justice for their loved ones, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and quicker resolutions in these tragic cases.
For families of victims, lack of closure is a source of deep frustration. Many remain in limbo, waiting for answers on who is responsible for an accident that took the lives of their relatives. As the city grapples with this menace, there are calls for stronger measures to prevent such incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
