Law Student Held in Deadly Chandigarh Thar Accident
In a major development, Chandigarh Police have arrested an 18-year-old law student, accused of running over two sisters with a red Mahindra Thar SUV in Sector 46. The tragic accident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman and left her elder sister critically injured.
The accused, identified as Neroshpreet Singh, is a law student and son of a tehsildar posted in Punjab. Originally from Amritsar, he had been residing in a rented flat in Sector 16, Chandigarh. Police said he fled the scene after the accident but was traced and arrested two days later.
During questioning, Neroshpreet reportedly confessed that he panicked after hitting the two women and escaped from the site in fear. Police had already seized the red Thar soon after the incident.
Victims Identified as Burail Residents
The deceased was identified as Sojef (22), while her elder sister Isha (24) sustained severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.
According to police reports, the two sisters were crossing the road near Sector 46 market around 3 pm when the speeding Thar hit them at high impact. The force of the collision killed Sojef on the spot and left Isha with critical injuries.
Family members said Sojef was a BA student at Dev Samaj College, Sector 46, and was also pursuing a beauty parlour course to support her family. Her sister Isha worked part-time while continuing her studies. Relatives described them as “hardworking and ambitious young women” who were striving to build a better future.
Protests and Police Action After Public Outrage
The accident sparked public outrage in Burail, where the victims lived. On Thursday, a large crowd of residents and family members gathered outside the Burail Police Station, alleging that authorities were delaying action to shield the accused due to his father’s government position.
Protesters raised slogans demanding justice for the victims and swift punishment for the driver. Following the demonstration, police transferred Outpost In-charge Gurjeevan Singh for alleged negligence in handling the case.
Senior police officials later assured the public that the investigation was being conducted “without bias or pressure.” The case has been registered under sections of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and causing death by negligence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Thar Had 14 Prior Challans for Rash Driving
Investigations have revealed that the seized red Thar SUV had a record of 14 previous challans for dangerous and rash driving. This revelation has raised questions about repeated traffic violations being ignored by enforcement agencies.
A senior officer from the Traffic Police Department stated that stricter monitoring and automatic challan systems are being implemented to prevent such incidents in future. “Despite repeated offences, the driver continued to drive recklessly. This time it ended in tragedy,” the officer said.
Authorities are now examining CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact sequence of events and verify if the vehicle was overspeeding at the time of the crash.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The accused, Neroshpreet Singh, is currently in police custody. Officials have confirmed that a medical examination has been conducted to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the incident.
Police have also contacted the Registrar of the law college where the accused studies to verify his background and attendance records. Legal experts say that, given the gravity of the charges and public sentiment, bail may not be easily granted.
The victim’s family, meanwhile, has appealed for strict punishment, stating that “no influential background should save him from the law.” Local activists and women’s groups have also demanded stronger enforcement of road safety laws and harsher penalties for reckless drivers.