Mangaluru: Recklessly driven car mows down group of girls near Ladyhill; one killed, 4 injured

In a distressing turn of events, a recklessly driven car knocked down a group of girls walking on the footpath on October 18, in front of SL Shet Jewellers incident near S.L Shet jewellers, opposite the Mangaluru Corporation swimming pool. One of the girl died and four others were injured.

The deceased has been identified as Roopashri (23), daughter of Gangadhar and a resident of Kaana, Bala in Surathkal.

The four other victims, identified as Swathi (26 years old), Hithnavi (16 years old), Krithika (16 years old), and Yathika (12 years old), sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

The incident occurred at around 4 pm on Wednesday. It is gathered that the girls were returning after visiting the Kudroli temple.

According to Mangaluru Traffic West Police, a Honda Eon bearing registration number KA-19-MD-5676, driven by one Mr. Kamalesh Baldev, approached from the Mannagudda Junction towards Ladyhill. In a negligent manner, the vehicle veered onto the footpath, colliding with five girls who were on foot.

Following the collision, the driver fled the scene of the accident, leaving the victims in distress. The vehicle was subsequently found parked in front of a Honda showroom.  Kamalesh Baldev, accompanied by his father, later reported to the Traffic West Police Station, police added.

The Traffic West Police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 279, 337, 338, and 304(A), as well as Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and Section 134(a)(b) R/w 187 of the MV Act.