SRINAGAR: The parents of a 34-year-old Gurugram resident who died in a hit-and-run accident in South Delhi last month say they are determined to pursue justice as the accused driver remains out on bail.
Sarthak Mattoo was killed on June 25 after a Mahindra Thar allegedly struck his motorcycle from behind near the Rajokri flyover while he was on his way to work in Noida. The impact reportedly threw him and his motorcycle off the flyover. Police arrested the accused, identified as Apurv Singh, two days later, but he was subsequently granted bail.
The tragedy has left Sarthak’s parents, Anuradha and Surender Mattoo, grappling with the loss of their only child. They said his room has been left untouched, while his father has vowed to continue seeking justice.
The family recalled that Sarthak had returned to India after completing his master’s degree in the United Kingdom despite their concerns over road safety. According to his parents, he chose to return to remain close to them. The night before the accident was their last dinner together, and he left for work early the following morning without waking them.
The parents also expressed disappointment with the legal process, claiming they were informed that the stricter hit-and-run provision under Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was not operational as its implementation had been kept in abeyance following protests by transport operators. They believe this contributed to the accused securing bail.
The family’s ordeal has also revived painful memories of their displacement during the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Surender Mattoo recalled that their home in Srinagar was destroyed during the turmoil, forcing the family to rebuild their lives elsewhere. He said the loss of his only son has compounded their suffering but strengthened his resolve to seek accountability.
Quoting Police newspaper The Indian Express reported that the Mahindra Thar involved in the incident was registered to a Bengaluru-based company and leased to one of its employees. During the investigation, the employee reportedly told police that his friend was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
