Reckless youth behind the wheel, city under threat

Hit-and-run cases and reckless youth demand justice

Lokmat News Network

Raj Patil

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

From minors to youths, overspeeding and rash driving are turning city roads deadly, with rising fatalities, hit-and-run cases, and repeated violations near colleges, junctions, and residential zones.

Lokmat Times ground report shows rising reckless driving and rash riding by youths, including minors, leading to increasing accidents and injuries. Overspeeding is the second most detected offence, with 2,942 cases in 2026, mainly reported near colleges and universities. On average, about four cases of reckless or minor driving are reported at police stations daily in the city. Despite awareness drives and monitoring, accidents continue, raising questions on enforcement and road safety. How many more lives must be lost?

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Road accident and fatality data (police commissonarate)

Year/Number of accidents/Number of fatalities

2025/166/180

2026/47/52

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Lives shattered on road

‘Evening turned into darkest night of my life,’ says grieving father

“Main ab ghar ke bahar nahin jaungi…” whispers four-year-old Hawwa, reflecting fear no child should endure. On April 14 near Aref Colony Masjid, she was hit by a speeding moped (MH-20-FV-0154) allegedly driven recklessly by a minor on an internal road. Returning home with her sister Haadiya (16), she was knocked down, dragged, and the rider fled. She suffered injuries on her face, especially near the left eye, along with wounds on her hands, back, and left leg. Due to celebration rush, the family was delayed reaching Government Medical College and Hospital because of congestion at Town Hall Chowk. Doctors say the eye injury is concerning, with long-term impact uncertain. “She keeps waking up scared,” said her father, Khwaja Aleemuddin (46). The child is battling emotional trauma, while the family demands strict action against rash driving.

(Case registered at Begumpura PS)

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Daylight rash driving cost me 2–3 months of my life

A routine ride turned tragic for 37-year-old Sagar Chauhan deputy manager at a private bank, after a collision at Jay Bhim Chowk, N-6. “I was just a few minutes away from home,” Chauhan said. On April 6 at 11.30 pm, his motorcycle (MH 20 DW 5787) was allegedly hit by a speeding Bullet (MH 03 DM 9404) from Central Naka towards Chishtiya Chowk. “I lost consciousness for nearly four hours,” he said, adding he will be bedridden for two- three months. Doctors confirmed three shoulder fractures and multiple injuries. The rider fled. Chauhan demands strict action. He underwent six days of hospitalisation and is now demanding strict legal action.

(Case registered at Cidco PS)