Drunk driver claims life of 14-year-old girl in Nainital, accused arrested

Uttarkhand: A tragic incident in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district left a 14-year-old girl dead and two others injured when a government official, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, ran over the girls. The accident occurred late Monday night, shocking the local community and prompting immediate police action.

Accused Bhupendra Singh Arrested After Attempting to Flee

Bhupendra Singh, an Assistant Block Development Officer of Kotabagh, was apprehended by the police while attempting to flee the scene. Ramesh Chandra Pant, the police outpost in-charge, confirmed that Singh was found to be drunk at the time of the accident, following a medical examination. Singh’s reckless driving resulted in the tragic death of the 14-year-old girl and left her sister, 17, and their 15-year-old friend severely injured.

The Victims’ Journey to the Hospital

The three girls were on their way back from a local fair when the accident occurred. Initially rushed to the Community Health Centre in Kotabagh, the victims were later transferred to a higher medical facility. Tragically, the youngest girl was declared dead by doctors, while the two others are undergoing treatment for their injuries at Sai Hospital in Haldwani.

Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving

Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, drunk driving is a punishable offense in India, with penalties including imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of Rs10,000, or both. If a driver’s blood alcohol level exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml, it is considered an offense. In this case, Bhupendra Singh’s actions may lead to severe legal consequences as the investigation unfolds.