A 24-year-old woman accused of fatally running over a 55-year-old Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agent with her Mahindra Thar in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur was granted bail on Diwali, triggering outrage from the victim’s family. The deceased man’s son has questioned the circumstances of her release, expressing anguish over the loss of his father.
The incident occurred on November 7, a day before Diwali, when Santosh Singh Chauhan was returning home on his scooter after purchasing a saree for his wife. According to police, a speeding Thar driven by Geeta Sachan struck his scooter with such force that he died at the spot. The impact also dragged the scooter and his body several metres.
Following the incident, Geeta was arrested after the victim’s family protested and demanded action against her. However, she was granted bail at the police station on Diwali (Sunday) and subsequently released.
Reacting to her release, Santosh’s son Rahul Chauhan questioned the justice system and said the family was struggling to cope with the tragedy.
“What kind of justice is this? The woman who killed my father and brought darkness into our home just before Diwali is celebrating the festival with her family after being released. What about the darkness in our house?” Rahul said.
How the Accident Happened
According to reports, Geeta, who was learning to drive, lost control of the SUV, which crashed through the boundary wall of a residential property before entering a garden.
Eyewitnesses said Geeta was travelling with her younger sister and another man. The occupants reportedly abandoned the damaged vehicle and left the scene in another car that arrived shortly afterwards.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing Geeta stepping out of the damaged Thar and screaming before leaving in the other vehicle. Santosh’s body was seen lying nearby.
According to The Times of India, Geeta is pursuing her studies in Italy and had returned to India to celebrate Diwali with her family.
Victim’s Family Demanded Arrest
Police initially registered a case against unidentified individuals. However, investigators traced the SUV to sand contractor Guddu Sachan and subsequently identified his daughter Geeta as the driver.
Santosh’s family alleged that the police initially failed to establish his identity despite their efforts to identify him following the accident.
His son Rahul later staged a protest and refused to allow the post-mortem proceedings to be completed until the accused was arrested. Following Geeta’s arrest, the family agreed to take Santosh’s body for the last rites.
However, her subsequent release on bail on Diwali sparked renewed anger among the family members.
Rahul, who works as a company manager in Lucknow, also raised questions about whether Geeta possessed a valid driving licence.
He demanded that the police investigate the matter and take action against her father if she had been allowed to drive without a valid licence.
“If she did not have a driving licence, her father should also be questioned. How could he allow his daughter to drive the vehicle?” Rahul asked.
Police Explain Bail Decision
Responding to the family’s concerns, ACP Dilip Singh said Geeta had been arrested but was subsequently granted bail at the police station because the offence attracted a punishment of less than seven years.
He added that other aspects of the incident were still under investigation.
“The remaining aspects of the case are being investigated. If the family has any further complaints, they can submit them in writing, and those will also be included in the investigation,” the ACP said.
Police have seized the Mahindra Thar involved in the accident as part of the investigation.
The victim’s family continues to seek answers over the circumstances of the crash, the alleged driving licence issue and the accused’s release on bail.