New Delhi:
Deepti Yask, an 18-year-old student of Delhi University and a national level athlete, met with a tragic end this Monday when she was run over by a speeding car in the national capital. The accused, a 50-year-old woman, who fled the area but was later arrested and booked for rash and negligent driving and causing death due to negligence, is now out on bail.
Deepti's family says she died of excessive blood loss even though she was still breathing when she arrived at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre. "She never fell sick, she was so fit, a topper in everything both sports and studies - was this the way for her to go?" asked her inconsolable mother.
Deepti got a 91.25 per cent in her boards and topped Geography with 99 per cent. She had joined Kamla Nehru College just a month ago to study Geography (Honours). The 18-year-old also had several medals in Chess, Shot Put, Kabaddi, Kho Kho and Javelin throw.
"Deepti has also represented Delhi in the junior championships and was also awarded a certificate by Smriti Irani for excellence," said Deepti's brother Dipesh.
In India, nearly 60,000 people die every year due to accidents caused by over speeding.
"We need to demarcate zones outside schools and colleges, have more red lights, speed breakers, police, laws need to be harsher people are back on the road as their licenses are not revoked," said Aditi Bhatt, Director, Policy and Research, SaveLIFE Foundation.
The police, however, says they have been acting against violators.
"700 licenses have been cancelled today. 30 lakh people have been fined this year so far for various traffic violations," said Muktesh Chander, Special Commissioner, Traffic.