Family of junior engineer killed by Maharashtra roadways bus awarded 2.2 crore

MUMBAI: After a routine trip to the market with his father to purchase vegetables on a winter morning in 2023 led to the death of a 30-year-old junior engineer with Konkan Railways, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Mumbai ordered Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay approximately Rs 2.21 crore (inclusive of interest) to his bereaved family. The tragedy occurred on Dec 21, 2023, when Aniket Dabholkar, father to a one-year-old boy, was standing near his parked scooter while his father purchased vegetables. A speeding state-owned bus veered into the side margin of the road and struck Dabholkar, causing fatal head injuries.During the proceedings, MSRTC attempted to shift blame onto the deceased, suggesting he suddenly entered the path of the bus. However, the tribunal dismissed these claims, noting evidence and police reports clearly showed the scooter was stationary and the bus driver lost control. “The fact that the driver of the offending bus drove the vehicle at a high speed and recklessly and caused the accident resulting in death of a person standing still by the side of the road indicates negligence,” it said in the verdict.The family had moved the tribunal on January 20, 2024. “The claimants have duly proved negligence on the part of the accused driver,” the tribunal said.In determining the compensation, it took into account Dabholkar’s monthly salary of approximately Rs 84,000 and his promising career. It awarded Rs 1.95 crore as principal amount, which includes loss of dependency, funeral expenses, and “consortium” for emotional suffering of his 24-year-old widow, infant son, and elderly parents.It directed MSRTC to deposit the funds in 30 days, emphasising that the compensation must include 7% annual interest. Of the total award, it ordered Rs 95 lakh each be allocated to the wife and son, and the remainder shared between the parents.