By: Javid Amin
The streets of posh localities in the Kashmir Valley have been witnessing a concerning trend. Young men, hailing from influential families and accustomed to a life of privilege, have been recklessly speeding through the streets in cars often owned by their parents. This reckless behavior, fueled by their sense of entitlement and disregard for the law, has been causing a growing number of accidents, and sadly, pedestrians are frequently the victims.
These young drivers, sometimes rightly labeled as spoiled brats, seem to believe they are above the law. They push the pedal to the metal, often surpassing acceptable speed limits, and when accidents occur, they tend to flee the scene, confident that existing legal loopholes will ensure their swift release from custody.
Recent incidents illustrate the severity of the problem. In a posh area of Parraypora, a vehicle owner collided with approximately five cars and promptly fled the scene. Just a short while before that, a woman in north Kashmir was struck by a car, and the driver fled with impunity. A few years back, a young man in his twenties struck an on-duty police officer, altering his car’s appearance to evade arrest for a week before finally being apprehended. Shockingly, even he was released from judicial custody in no time.
It’s clear that these vehicle owners are well aware of the legal leniency when it comes to hit-and-run cases, as long as they hold a valid driver’s license. This impunity is making them increasingly audacious. This dangerous pattern of behavior is setting a dangerous precedent, emboldening more spoiled brats to flout permissible speed limits and evade responsibility for their actions.
However, there is hope on the horizon. The new penal code introduces tougher regulations for hit-and-run cases, a welcome change from the outdated laws that were previously in place. It’s essential to understand that possessing a driving license does not grant anyone the right to endanger the lives of pedestrians and escape the consequences.
This disturbing trend of hit-and-run incidents was once unheard of in Kashmir, but the growing number of cars on the streets and the newfound affluence in the city have contributed to this social issue. It’s crucial for parents to instill a moral code in their children before handing them the keys to powerful and potentially deadly vehicles.
Hit-and-run is a grave crime, and it is encouraging to know that stricter regulations are being put in place to address it. The hope is that these new laws will be implemented promptly and effectively, sending a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated and that the safety of all citizens is paramount.
