Chandigarh hit-and-run: Juvenile driver detained, owner to be presented in court

Chandigarh Police have detained two accused, including a juvenile, in connection with the Mercedes hit-and-run case that left three people injured. Police said the car owner, 18-year-old Akhil Hasrana, will be produced before a competent court, while the 17-year-old juvenile allegedly driving the vehicle has been granted bail.

Speaking to India Today, DSP P Abhinandan said the investigation is still underway and more penal provisions may be added once medical and forensic reports are received.

According to the police, the Mercedes is owned by Akhil Hasrana, an 18-and-a-half-year-old resident of Faridabad. However, preliminary investigation found that the vehicle was allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old juvenile at the time of the incident.

Police said both the juvenile and Akhil Hasrana were detained after the incident. While the juvenile has been granted bail under the applicable legal provisions, Hasrana will be produced before the court on Monday.

Police said the incident began outside a club when Akhil Hasrana allegedly opened the Mercedes door, striking one of the victims. The impact led to a confrontation, following which the car allegedly hit three people.

The complainant has been identified as Alispreet Singh, a resident of Sector 44. The other injured victims are Amjad, 17, from Bapudham Colony, and Akshit, 17, a resident of Panchkula. Police said all three victims are minors.

Two of the injured have been discharged from hospital, while one victim remains under treatment.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, both of which are bailable offences.

DSP Abhinandan said preliminary findings suggest the accused may have been under the influence of alcohol during the incident. However, he said the final position will only be known after forensic examination and alcohol test reports are received.

Police are also awaiting the medico-legal report from the hospital. Depending on its findings, additional sections may be invoked in the FIR.

The investigation is continuing.