Sri Vijaya Puram: A 52-year-old woman succumbed to severe injuries late last night after being struck by a car while crossing the zebra crossing outside Tagore Government College of Education at Middle Point. The incident has triggered widespread public outcry, raising serious concerns about road safety, alleged police leniency, and claims of political interference.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the woman was crossing the road on the marked pedestrian path when a car, bearing registration number AN01 U 8100, rammed into her. The driver, identified as Baby Mathew, was allegedly using a mobile phone at the time. Though the car was not speeding, the impact led to a serious brain injury and internal bleeding. The victim was rushed to GB Pant Hospital and remained unconscious until her death late that night.
Doctors stated that the woman had suffered a severe blood clot in the brain, with only a 0.01% chance of survival. The family, belonging to a financially weak background, has now approached Tamilzar Sangam and other community groups demanding justice.
Initial outrage was fueled by reports that the accused was granted bail shortly after an FIR was filed and was allegedly directed by the police to meet the victim’s family. This sparked concerns over perceived leniency, especially given claims of the accused’s political proximity. Some local sources alleged that Baby Mathew had links to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), pointing to his repeated claims of “being untouchable” due to political backing.
However, both Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray and BJP State President Anil Tiwari have categorically denied any political interference. In separate statements, they clarified that the accused will be treated as “any ordinary citizen” and assured that the party would fully cooperate with law enforcement and judicial processes.
In the aftermath of the woman’s death, the accused was recalled to the police station, and statements from the family and local leaders were taken. Tamilzar Sangam, which is supporting the victim’s kin, has called for a thorough investigation and requested the administration to also examine circulating public reports that the accused may be a repeat traffic offender.
Public anger has been further fueled by speculation that past offences went unpunished due to political influence. Civil society groups have urged the police and district administration to ensure that the legal process remains impartial and transparent.
As the bereaved family struggles to cope with the sudden loss, many in the community are also questioning the larger legal principle of granting bail in serious road negligence cases where the victim remains in critical or fatal condition.
For context and prior coverage on accidents in the Tagore College zone, readers can refer to The Wave Andaman’s previous report: Road Accident near Tagore College – The Wave Andaman.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further legal action based on the final postmortem report and forensic analysis.
