A tragic road accident in Mumbai's Malad West has claimed the life of 34-year-old lawyer and mother of two Priyanka Satra. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the busy Mamlatdarwadi-SV Road junction on Sunday, when an MG Windsor allegedly crashed into the motorcycle carrying Priyanka and her husband, Mayank Satra.
The car then reportedly hit three autorickshaws, leaving six other people injured. Priyanka suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she was declared dead. Her husband sustained fractures and back injuries and required hospitalisation.
Driver Says He Pressed Accelerator Instead of Brake
Police arrested Krishna Chamankar, who was driving the MG Windsor at the time of the collision. According to police, Chamankar told investigators that he believed his automatic car was moving slowly and attempted to apply the brakes. He allegedly pressed the accelerator instead, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
Police have invoked charges relating to rash, negligent and dangerous driving. A medical examination at a government hospital reportedly found no alcohol in Chamankar's blood.
The crash was also captured on CCTV. Footage reportedly shows the motorcycle and autorickshaws waiting at the traffic signal before the car struck them, providing investigators with potentially important evidence about the sequence of events.
Priyanka Was Returning Home After Buying Vegetables
According to reports, Priyanka and Mayank had gone out to purchase vegetables near their Malad home. They were returning home and waiting at the traffic signal when the crash occurred.
Priyanka was a law graduate and mother of two. The sudden loss has left her family devastated. Her husband, who was injured in the collision, was later brought home in a wheelchair to see his wife before her funeral.
Family Alleges VIP Treatment
The case has also triggered questions about the handling of the accused. Priyanka's relatives have alleged that Chamankar received preferential or VIP treatment at the police station and have demanded an inquiry.
On September 3, family members, citizens and BJP workers protested outside Malad police station, demanding that Chamankar be re-arrested and that stronger legal sections be considered. Protesters also questioned why more serious charges had not been invoked in the case.
Chamankar was initially arrested and produced before a magistrate. He was sent to judicial custody and subsequently granted bail. Reports have differed on some details surrounding his age, but police and media reports have consistently identified him as the driver involved in the fatal collision.
Road Safety Concerns Grow
The Malad crash has once again highlighted the risks faced by motorists, pedestrians and two-wheeler riders at crowded Mumbai junctions. CCTV evidence, witness accounts and the ongoing police investigation are expected to play an important role in determining the circumstances of the collision.
For Priyanka Satra's family, however, the immediate demand remains clear: they want accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
