If a man can get killed while taking a morning walk, the streets of Mumbai are not safe for anyone anymore, the grieving family of steel magnate Sampat Maroo, who was killed in a rash driving accident at Marine Drive, said on Friday.
“So many people, including senior citizens go for morning walks on Marine Drive and the adjoining areas every day. The incident has raised questions about the safety of all these people. Even a morning walk has become a risky prospect now,” Maroo’s daughter Sangeeta Bubna said. An emotional Ms Bubna spoke to The Asian Age just before leaving for a condolence meeting organised in Maroo’s memory at the YB Chavan auditorium in South Mumbai. Scores of friends and family members from all over Mumbai attended the condolence meeting. Maroo’s family has vowed to press for the strictest action against the 17-year-old boy who was arrested for running him over, as well as hitting two police constables while on a joyride on Wednesday morning. Maroo was crossing the street to get to his residence on the fourth floor of the Yashodhan building next to the Marine Drive police station, when he was hit by the Honda City. “What hurts the most is that we are dealing with a permanent loss, while the one who killed him paid a paltry `15,000 and is now roaming scot-free. What happens to the value of life? Can his money buy a life back?” Ms Bubna said, fighting back tears.
The Marine Drive police is currently recording statements of all eyewitnesses. The car was examined by experts as part of the investigation and their report is awaited . The accused’s parents are yet to visit the police station.