Reckless ‘drink and drive’ accident claims life of a techie 'Sandhya' in Bengaluru

In a reckless and atrocious ‘Drink and Drive’ incident in Bengaluru, an unmindful youth has claimed the life of a talented techie, sparking outrage among people over her death due to his grave negligence.

This devastating accident that took place near the Kengeri bus stand has left the community in shock. The victim, a 30-year-old tech professional Sandhya lost her life in a collision with a speeding car driven by a drunken driver. This outraging accident, which occurred around 6:45 PM yesterday, highlights the dangers of impaired driving and has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of road safety laws.

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The accused, identified as Dhanush, was behind the wheel of a high-end Benz vehicle, traveling at high speeds along with friends after attending a party. Sandhya was crossing the street when the car struck her with severe force, resulting in critical injuries. Witnesses and friends rushed her to BGS Hospital, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

The family of the victim expressed their anguish over the tragic loss. Sandhya's brother, Shekhar, spoke to reporters, detailing the moment they received the heartbreaking news. He said, “we got a call from the police at 8:30 PM, informing us of the accident. When we arrived at the hospital, it was too late. My sister had died. We were distraught at the horrific state of her body. Due to the impact of the collision, her body parts were all broken.

In the aftermath of the accident, Dhanush and his friends attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended by local residents who witnessed the horrific accident. Police investigations revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Dhanush has since been charged under the relevant sections of the law, and the vehicle involved has been seized as evidence.

Shekhar voiced his frustration with the police handling of the case involving influential persons, expressing concerns about delays in filing the report and the lack of immediate access to CCTV footage from the area, which could provide clarity on the horrific events leading up to the dreaded collision.

Lately, allegations have surfaced that the family of deceased Sandhya was offered ₹1.5 crore to settle the case involving the accused Dhanush. This alleged offer has sparked a public outcry, with Sandhya’s brother, Shekhar, asserting that “no amount of money can compensate for my sister’s life.”

According to sources, police advised Dhanush to conceal his identity by covering his face during proceedings. It’s also reported that the accused was held in a washroom for hours, supposedly to prevent media from capturing photos or videos. The family, already grieving, expressed shock at what they view as police attempts to shield the accused from public scrutiny.

In a further twist, family members revealed that the accused’s name wasn’t even included in the official First Information Report (FIR), fueling suspicions about the integrity of the investigation. Despite their efforts to file complaints, relatives claim police refused to document their statements and instead named a witness unrelated to the incident as the primary complainant.

Adding to the family’s frustration, Sandhya’s relative, Sunil Kumar, told News First that they felt disheartened by a legal system that, in their view, offers leniency to the accused. “If convicted, he could be out in just six months,” Kumar lamented, questioning the delayed filing of the FIR, which was reportedly lodged hours after the incident.

As the case continues, Sandhya’s family remains determined to seek justice, though they fear their voices may be overshadowed in a system they see as flawed.

Sandhya, who had been a store manager and a talented artist, leaves behind a grieving family. Her tragic death serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving, as loved ones call for justice and stricter measures against such reckless behavior of unmindful youth.