The Dhaula Kuan area in Delhi was the scene of a tragic road accident on Saturday, leading to the death of Navjot Singh, who held the position of Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. His wife was severely injured and is currently receiving medical care. The accident occurred when the couple was traveling home from the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara on a motorcycle. Their motorcycle collided with a car near Metro Pillar Number 57.
According to witnesses, a woman was driving the BMW, with her husband as a passenger. The motorcycle first hit the divider and then a bus after the initial impact. Both Navjot Singh and his wife were thrown onto the road. The couple in the car arranged for a cab to transport the injured individuals to a hospital 22 kilometers away. Despite medical intervention, Navjot Singh did not survive, and his wife remains in critical condition.
In situations involving road accidents, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) provides a platform for families to seek compensation. The amount of compensation awarded by the tribunal is not capped, with the insurance company responsible for payment. The Ministry of Finance has also issued specific guidance related to insurance claims in such instances.
The process of filing a claim includes lodging an FIR with the police, gathering supporting evidence (FIR copy, death certificate, age proof, and dependency documents), and submitting an application with all necessary documentation to the MACT in the area where the accident took place. The tribunal reviews the evidence, determines the amount of the claim, and then directs the insurance company to disburse the funds to the family.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, there is no limit to the compensation provided for death or severe injuries in third-party claims. Families are not obligated to prove that the accident was caused by the fault of the vehicle owner. The accident itself, along with the resultant injury or fatality, is adequate for a claim. The responsibility of providing compensation lies with the insurance company of the vehicle involved in the collision, with the tribunal determining the exact amount.
Claims may be rejected if the accident was due to the driver’s negligence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or intentional actions. It is essential to notify the insurance company about the claim as soon as possible. In essence, third-party insurance may offer unlimited compensation to the family, provided that the FIR, evidence, and application are filed with the MACT promptly.
The police have arrested Gaganpreet, the driver of the car. Following her discharge from the hospital, where she also received treatment, she was taken into police custody. She is facing charges under sections of the BNS. She is accused of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, reckless driving, and tampering with evidence. Furthermore, after the accident, Gaganpreet decided to transport the injured individuals to a hospital 22 kilometers away, instead of a nearby medical facility. Reports suggest that the hospital has connections to Gaganpreet, prompting police suspicion of medical record tampering. The valid insurance of the car may not be affected by it, but if found guilty in court, she might face a lengthy sentence.
Navjot Singh, who resided in Hari Nagar, Delhi, worked as a Deputy Secretary in the North Block of the Ministry of Finance. His family has raised concerns regarding the decision to take him to Newlife Hospital in GTB Nagar, which is approximately 22 kilometers away. Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His wife is still receiving treatment.
The police have seized the BMW car and the crime and forensic teams are gathering evidence from the location. The police have stated that Gaganpreet and her husband, who reside in Gurugram, also sustained injuries during the accident. Investigations are ongoing, using CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The police are waiting for the couple to recover before questioning them.