Mandya/Bengaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a four-year-old girl on Monday during a traffic police checkpoint, igniting public outrage and protests.
The incident occurred when a large crowd gathered to express their anger, blaming the traffic police for the tragedy. In response to the public outcry, three Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) were suspended, according to police reports.
The victim, Hrithiksha, was being rushed to a hospital in Mandya city by her parents on their two-wheeler after she had been bitten by a dog in their village in Maddur taluk.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi stated that the couple was stopped by traffic police for not wearing helmets while en route to the medical facility. Upon explaining their urgent situation, the traffic officers allowed them to continue. However, moments later, another vehicle brushed against their motorcycle, causing Hrithiksha to fall off. Tragically, a truck following closely behind ran over her.
The young girl sustained severe head injuries and succumbed to excessive bleeding at the scene, police confirmed. A case has been registered in connection with the incident.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the victim’s parents and members of the public gathered at the site, demanding justice for Hrithiksha. They accused the police of prioritizing enforcement of regulations over the urgent medical needs of the family, which they believe led to this devastating loss of life.
The protests caused significant traffic disruptions, which were eventually resolved after police assured the public that action would be taken against the officers involved for their negligence.
