New Delhi: A tragic incident unfolded on Versova beach in the early hours of August 12, when a speeding SUV ran over two men who were sleeping on the sand to escape the citys oppressive heat and humidity. The accident claimed the life of 36-year-old Ganesh Yadav, a rickshaw driver, and left another man, Bablu Srivastava, seriously injured.According to the police, the horrifying event occurred when Srivastava was jolted awake by a sharp pain in his head and hand. As he regained his senses, he witnessed the SUV crushing Yadav, who lay beside him. Srivastava, severely injured and dazed, was left unconscious on the spot.The driver of the SUV, identified as Nikhil Jawle (34), and his friend, Shubham Dongre (33), reportedly exited the vehicle but fled the scene in panic as onlookers began to gather. Legal action ensuesBoth victims were rushed to Cooper Hospital, where Yadav succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The Versova police acted swiftly, arresting Jawle and Dongre. They have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The duo was presented in a local court, where they were remanded to five days in judicial custody. Authorities have also sent their blood samples for analysis to determine if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the incident.Disturbing pattern of recklessnessThis incident is part of a worrying trend in Mumbai, where several similar accidents have occurred in recent weeks. Last month, a woman lost her life and her husband was injured when a BMW driven by Mihir Shah, son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, collided with their scooter in Worli. Just days later, on July 22, a speeding Audi struck two auto-rickshaws, injuring the drivers and passengers. On July 20, another fatal crash involving a BMW claimed a life in the same area.
