Mumbai: Learner driver hits applicant waiting at RTO office

The victim being rushed to the hospital; (right) The RTO compound in Andheri where the accident took place

A 25-year-old resident of Andheri sustained critical injuries while he was waiting for his sister's learner's driving test at the Andheri RTO office. The vehicle's driver, accompanied by the RTO's licence inspector, collided with two vehicles before running over the victim,. The victim's family said that the RTO officer was at fault and demanded that the police register an FIR.

The victim, identified as Mohammad Moin Shaikh, operates his own tempo. The RTO officer claimed they were conducting the test on the track, but in reality, there are no proper facilities at the Andheri RTO office, and the RTO officials did not take adequate precautions.

The learner driver was identified as Ravi Kumar Saha, 27, who came to the RTO office to obtain a permanent licence and undergo a driving test on Wednesday afternoon. Bhagwat Sanjay More, the inspector of motor vehicles (IMV), conducted the test and also sustained minor injuries after the crash.

Mushraf Shaikh, the victim's brother, said, "He was waiting with others at the premises. Inspector Bhagwat More was conducting the driving test in the open premises. The test driver, Ravi Saha, took the vehicle with an agent, and they started the driver's test at around 1.30 pm on Wednesday."

A police officer stated, "The learner driver, Ravi Saha, was taking the test with inspector More present in the car. Saha started the car, and instead of applying the brake, he accelerated. The car first crashed into a bike, then hit a taxi, and finally ran over Moin Shaikh, who was standing inside the compound. Shaikh was seriously injured and received injuries to his head, hands, and other parts of the body."

Shaikh was rushed to CritiCare Hospital in Andheri by the RTO officer and later transferred to Cooper Hospital for further treatment. His condition is critical.
Mushraf added. "Inspector More pulled the handbrake and jumped from the vehicle during the incident. He was conducting the test and is solely responsible for it. The police should register an FIR against the officer too for being responsible for the accident.."

Speaking to mid-day, RTO official Raosaheb Ragade said, "We don't have a proper track and lack facilities. We have already informed the concerned authorities about this. At the RTO office premises where we conduct driving tests, we put up instruction boards to not stand in certain areas as they are designated for driving tests."
"We sent our officer to the police station to register the FIR against the learner driver who is responsible for the accident," RTO officer Ragade said.

Ragade was also questioned if an FIR would be registered against inspector More, who conducted the driving test.

"The incident happened due to the learner driver. He was driving and is solely responsible for the incident. We will also cancel his learner's driving licence and take appropriate action." Ragaded added.