Minor on bike kills 12-year-old girl in Mapusa hit-&-run, dad held

Panaji: In a hit-and-run accident, 12-year-old girl Akanshaya Boro succumbed to her injuries after she was hit by a minor boy on a motorcycle on Tuesday night. She was knocked down while crossing the road along with friends. Goa police have arrested the father of the minor boy and the pillion rider and are in police custody.

“Following the accident, both the rider and the pillion fled the scene without informing police or providing any medical aid to the victim. They later attempted to conceal the incident by shifting the damaged motorcycle to another location,” North Goa superintendent of police Rahul Gupta said.

Gupta said the accident took place at around 7.45pm in front of Yamuna General Store at Mapusa on Tuesday and Akanshaya sustained grievous injuries. She later succumbed to her injuries late in the night, while undergoing treatment at the North Goa district hospital, Mapusa.

“Subsequent investigation by Mapusa police revealed that the 16-year-old boy was riding the motorcycle without a valid driving licence. He was accompanied by an 18-year-old pillion rider. The motorcycle was owned and permitted for use by the 48-year-old father of the minor,” Gupta said.

“The pillion rider also knew the minor did not have a licence but still accompanied him,” he said.

Gupta said that despite being fully aware that the 16-year-old boy did not have a driving licence, the father allowed his minor son to ride the motorcycle on a major public road, posing a serious threat to public safety.

Mapusa police registered an FIR in the case. “A report against the boy will be sent to the Juvenile Justice Board. The case has been forwarded to the JMFC, Mapusa, and further investigation is on,” Gupta said.

Meanwhile, Goa Police appealed to all citizens to refrain from allowing minors not holding a valid driving licence to operate motor vehicles. Such irresponsible actions can lead to fatal consequences and legal liability. Strict enforcement action will continue to ensure road safety and accountability, they said.