‘Cancel his driving licence permanently’
Panaji: The Panaji Police arrested Jagdish Sardessai (27), a resident of Dona Paula, for driving a BMW car allegedly under the influence of alcohol after his car rammed into three vehicles at Dona Paula on Tuesday night.
The police said the collision damaged all three vehicles. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras and videos from the scene later circulated on social media.
In some of the videos, the accused was allegedly seen arguing with bystanders and asking them whether they “wanted to get involved in a police case”.
The police said Sardessai was also allegedly seen making a phone call to his father shortly after the crash with his “Hello Papa” call going viral.
Witnesses at the scene claimed that he behaved aggressively after the accident.
A senior police officer said the accused was driving recklessly and posed a threat to public safety.
The officer said the arrest was made based on witness statements, preliminary investigation and medical examination.
The police said the damaged vehicles sustained major impact in the collision.
The accident triggered an outrage on social media.
Many social media users questioned whether influential persons receive preferential treatment in such cases.
“Justice is only for the rich. He will get bail within 24 hours,” one user commented, while some demanded that authorities “cancel his driving licence permanently”. Some commented on his “arrogant tone”
Some users called for exemplary punishment to deter reckless driving. “If the law system does not bring such drivers to their knees, it will be a shame on the authorities,” read another comment. Angry netizens also called for permanent cancellation of driving licences of such errant drivers.
Others urged the government and police to take stronger action against drunken driving and speeding involving luxury vehicles.
Earlier in January, Sardessai was found guilty by JMFC court, Merces, of committing offences under Section 185 (driving under the influence of alcohol) and Section 184(F) (reckless and dangerous driving endangering human life) of the MV Act 1988 while driving a BMW car in Panaji.
