Comments on: JUSTICE CRAWLS By Rashmi Oberoi

By: Jagwant

Jagwant — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 02:35:08 +0000

“In war, truth is the first casualty. The same happens when a road accident occurs. And, ‘Truth does not prevail’.”

True. However, in an attempt to allow truth to prevail the use of ‘dash-cams’ may now become prevalent. I have one installed and it records a continuous video from the drivers point of view. (can send photo to those interested). As a result should an accident unfortunately take place it may help ‘truth to prevail’. If the driver is not at fault it can help in establishing innocence. For a few thousand rupees a lot of hassle, expenditure or worse could be avoided.

“the perpetrator a young man, speeding on the Gurgaon expressway under the influence of alcohol with another drunken friend,”

Please pardon my saying so but this appears to be an assumption, unless there is something to the contrary which has not been mentioned.

“The cowards of course fled from the scene of crime after ditching their brand new Ford Ikon.”

A bit of luck. Because it often happens that the culprits scoot off with the vehicle and sometimes are not even caught. However even in such cases the proposed dash-cam may be of some help.

“Mayank was in the passenger seat next to the driver but thankfully had his seat-belt on”

The importance of seat belts cannot be overemphasised. Since the incident is of some years ago it is likely that the rear seat passengers were not wearing seat belts. We are strongly trying to make wearing of seat belts in rear seats, along with helmets for women on 2 wheelers, compulsory under the MV Act or at least the MV Rules. Though no one appears to be even talking about another crucial safety aspect – child restraint.
It is also heard that the MV Act is being amended. But as in most thing sarkaree the essential, road users inputs do not appear to be solicited.

“…cops did nothing and were of no help…but yes, eagerly waited for their palms to be greased by the accused and did all in their powers to set them free… Medical aid given by them is of primitive nature especially when you are bleeding to death and waiting for their appearance that occurred after 45 minutes of the SOS call being made.”

Definitely aspects which need to be improved upon. At least in Chandigarh, Citizens functioning as ‘Traffic Marshals are of some help in this too.

“The B@#$%^& sauntered into court…oozing of ‘new’ money…lots of gold chains…metallic bracelets…and what not. Well, ten times the jewellery I usually wear as I hardly wear anything. He walks up to me and says, “We’ve never met but I thought I must say sorry to you and also that the accident wasn’t my fault. You see there was a problem with the car…”

Very sad reality. It is a long haul but maybe the police and justice systems may improve. It is for us all to spare the time and effort to help this happen.

“When I turn to the junior police officers and beseech them to check the traffic offenders they tell me, “Sir, we can arrest them, but even before reach the ‘thana’ we are told to let them off. These scions of people in power jeer at us and go home with a wicked grin on their faces!”

Due to the Traffic Marshals and other enlightened citizens things are not quite that bad in Chandigarh. For anything further or any possible help you could call me at 9872411989.

Warm regards and safe driving to one and all.

By: Rashmi Oberoi

Rashmi Oberoi — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 04:56:35 +0000

Well said dear Uncle… And i am saddened by the tragic loss Aunty and you had to undergo. You are correct about the cycle of life though… It is only when we are older that we get wiser. We learn from our mistakes. Thank you for all the kindness shown to me.

Regards as always,
Rashmi

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 08:14:27 +0000

This piece has touched my heart. Rashmi was born in 1969. In that same year, we were blessed with a daughter. We lost her in a weird accident in Jun 1970. And when my wife and I see the pictures of the wounds of Rashmi, they send a chill down our spines.
And then I see the young men and women driving vehicles as if they own the roads. We read about accidental disasters every day, and yet no one seems to be concerned! I feel like screaming at them and some times I actually stop a youngster. But, most often, I see a nonchalant look on their faces. They look at me as if I am on old fogy who knows nothing about the thrill of riding fast and taking risks!
One day, I saw my own self, as I was fifty or sixty years ago. In 1960, when we were sixth termers in the NDA, we hired two motor bikes in Poona and two friends, HRS Malia and Rajadhyaksha decided to have a race from Kirkee to Poona on the Highway. I was sitting on the pillion of Malia. We bashed into a group of cyclists coming out of a factory and injured one of them. But poor Malia paid the ultimate price for his bravado. He went into a coma, and died two days later. (Incidentally, Rajadhyaksha was killed in an air crash in early 1962)
And none of these things deterred me from testing the limits of the automobiles. I had two accidents before I got married in 1966, and I was at fault in both cases. We had a paratrooper friend, Jagwant Bath who used to say,

“I do not consider life to be so precious that I should sacrifice the thrill of driving fast!!!”

Jagwant Bath is now a ‘Traffic Warden’ here in Chandigarh, and I am a self-appointed preacher of road ethics…after having done all the naughty things, myself!

Rashmi, herself has been playing pranks with her father’s two-wheeler, and banged into the hedge of their house. She has said so, in one of her articles!

I suspect the cycle will repeat itself. We shall, forever have ‘old wine in new bottles’ The youth will forever be boisterous and the old fogies will be the spoilsports…and the game will go on!

Surjit

By: Joseph Thomas

Joseph Thomas — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 04:10:14 +0000

Please see http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/11/03/india-driving-idINKBN0IN21G20141103
The new law was inspired by the death of Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde in a road accident in June.

By: Rashmi Oberoi

Rashmi Oberoi — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 10:08:58 +0000

Thank you everyone for your messages. I am touched by the responses. Please forgive me for the delayed reply… I was away to Mizoram and just returned last night. Thank you for also circulating this widely. I would like people to understand the graveness of the situation and what people face everyday. I also want everyone to join the fight against injustice handed down to victims. Road safety issues have to be an awakening from within and thereafter lead to a positive movement. Fight For Change !!

By: Sarmeet Kaur

Sarmeet Kaur — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 08:37:49 +0000

It seems to me that death of a few lakhs on the road, does not seem to be a priority for the government which has to deal with over a billion people. But for the family which lost their loved one, it is life changing. After a friend lost her husband and she herself was so brutally injured (her lungs had ruptured) on Gurgaon roads, my faith in the judicial system has received a serious blow.

If we all start by making a small effort to educate ourselves, our own children and people around us on how we can stay safe, we maybe able to make a difference. For example, while driving try and look a little further ahead than you normally would, which would possibly give you more time to react. Please do go through the following links for more on road safety:

http://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/features/228694-a-question-of-safety-not-just-for-professionals

http://roadsafety.allianz.com/en/f1-season/photos-videos/assets/Allianz_Safety_Fact_x4_Distraction

http://savelifefoundation.org/road-safety-tips/

Kudos to Mayank for his presence of mind in the face of such trauma. And may God bless the family to carry on with the fight against the system, because as we all know it will be a long while before justice will possibly be served. But until then let’s choose to consciously try and stay aware and alert on the roads.

Sarmeet

By: Sarmeet

Sarmeet — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 11:24:38 +0000

http://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/features/228694-a-question-of-safety-not-just-for-professionals

http://roadsafety.allianz.com/en/f1-season/photos-videos/assets/Allianz_Safety_Fact_x4_Distraction

http://savelifefoundation.org/road-safety-tips/

By: Brig KK Dhingra

Brig KK Dhingra — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:58:33 +0000

Today I attended a party hosted by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi . A Pvt party. We have tremendous linking for each other. While talking to Daulat Oberoi I realised Rashmi is her daughter, whom I knew long ago. My, my …she narrated the whole incident to me and I was startled to hear it all after reading your mail.
Sir, thanks for sending such inspiring mails.
Kanwal

By: Surinder Kaur

Surinder Kaur — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:51:30 +0000

Over the years, I have seen a lot of accident victims. My brother-in-law was in a coma for over three weeks. And it was a miracle when he regained his senses. But it took a long time before returned to near normalcy.
Now, whenever I see two-wheeler riders zooming past on their motor bikes and winding their way through traffic, violating all rules, I feel like screaming at them to tell them that back home, their mothers and wives are waiting for their safe return. But who can say anything to them…and will they listen to me, I wonder!
How I wish, our law enforcing authorities would ruthlessly take them to task and teach them a lesson, without yielding to pressure.
Surineder

By: Dave Sood

Dave Sood — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 07:03:26 +0000

Rashmi..kudos to you and your family for being so brave persevering and patient to bring the guy to justice.

I am very proud of all Services children. They are in a group of their own. Always leading,setting examples and achieving the best in their lives.

I am sure this article will receive a wide coverage and people will learn from it.

Best in coming years,
Dave Sood