The son of a New Alipore resident who died in a crash last year while waiting at a red signal on EM Bypass said on Tuesday that he would still urge his friends and people to follow traffic rules and stop every time the traffic light is red.
Rachit Dhandhania is one of the survivors of the crash that claimed the life of his mother Minu Dhandhania. The family — Minu and her husband and their two sons — were returning home from a vacation abroad.
She died after a Mercedes-Benz hit their stationary car from behind at a traffic signal on EM Bypass early on June 16 last year.
Minu is survived by her husband Devkishan Dhandhania and sons Rachit and Aryan.
Rachit, who said he did not wish to “recall the incident”, was vocal about his thoughts about following traffic rules.
“I have shifted to Bangalore. But I came to know about the Lake Town accident through a friend,” he said.
Asked if he regretted stopping at the red light on the morning of the accident that killed his mother a year ago, Rachit told Metro: “I firmly believe that traffic rules are meant to be followed. I have been telling this in my close circle, too — that we need to follow traffic rules and that under no condition should we drink and drive.”
“I have been trying to spread this message in my small group because I do not want anyone to face what we have faced,” he said.
The young professional refused to comment on the status of the police case saying his father was handling it.
Rachit, his younger brother who is a student, and his father, escaped the crash with injuries.
The person at the wheel of the Mercedes Benz was identified as Rahul Kedia. The police said they have submitted a chargesheet against him and the matter is awaiting trial.
Kedia, who was allegedly found to be driving in a state of intoxication, has been charged under IPC sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder (part -II), attempt to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving, mischief and drink driving.
If convicted, he can be jailed for 10 years.