Mangaluru: Auto driver, owner jailed in fatal Bejai Junction accident case

Mangaluru: Auto driver, owner jailed in fatal Bejai Junction accident case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 22, 2026: A court in Mangaluru has sentenced both an autorickshaw driver and the vehicle owner in connection with a fatal accident near Bijai Junction that claimed the life of a motorcyclist. The case also involved the driver fleeing the spot after the accident and operating the autorickshaw without a valid driving licence.

According to the case details, the accident occurred on February 21, 2023, on the road connecting Bijai Junction and Rangoli Cross. Autorickshaw driver Sairam allegedly attempted a U-turn when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle ridden by Kavan Alva, who was travelling towards Bijai.

Due to the impact, Kavan Alva was thrown off the bike and crashed into a roadside tree, suffering severe head injuries. The autorickshaw driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident. The injured biker later succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, police found that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence. Based on this, a case was registered at the Kadri Traffic Police Station against both the driver and the registered owner of the autorickshaw. Then Traffic Inspector Nagaraj K. conducted the investigation and filed the chargesheet before the court.

After examining witnesses and hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Fawaz P.A. of the 8th JMFC Court convicted the accused, stating that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

The court sentenced the driver to one month of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000. Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional 10 days of simple imprisonment.

The vehicle owner, Jagadish Chandappa, was sentenced to 15 days of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000. In default of payment, he would have to undergo an additional seven days of simple imprisonment.

The court also took serious note of the fact that the owner had allowed a person without a valid licence to operate the autorickshaw.

Advocate Geetha Rai initially represented the prosecution during witness examination, while later Advocate Aaron D’Souza Vitla continued the prosecution proceedings and presented the arguments before the court.