Bhotahity killer-motorist could get up to 10 yrs

KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Biplab Man Singh Dangol, whose reckless driving killed five Indian nationals and one Nepali on August 5, could be given a jail sentence of two to 10 years if prosecutors have their way. The fatal incident has already cost him around Rs 3.5 million in compensation to the victims´ families and treatment of another Indian National, who was seriously injured. [break]

Prosecutors have sought the severest punishment allowed under existing traffic and transportation law. The case filed by Nepal Police against Dangol, 20, demands that he be sentenced to two to 10 years in jail as per Article 161 (2) of the Traffic and Transportation Act 1992. This article is applicable when somebody drives recklessly despite awareness of the possible dire consequences and ends up killing someone inside or outside the vehicle being driven.

Kathmandu District Court had sent Dangol into judicial custody two weeks ago after the Metropolitan Police Range filed case. The case comes under the Traffic and Transportation Act as Dangol appeared to have a valid driving license.

"This is the severest traffic offense and attracts this article which is not commonly invoked," said an investigation officer. "There was no other way to deal with the case."

The Honda City car, which mowed down six pedestrians at Bhotahity at 12.45 a.m., was driven by Dangol with three others inside after celebrating Dangol´s 20th birthday at his home at Khichapokhari. Dangol was drunk and had sped the car beyond control to drop his friends off at their respective quarters. After the incident, Dangol and all three others in the car fled the scene. Dangol surrendered to police after nearly 24 hours.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were never clearly established. Everyone who was involved or witnessed the incident recalled it differently. It is, however, certain that the car suddenly arched onto the footpath and ran down a group of pedestrians returning from Bir Hospital.

Shortly after, it emerged that Dangol was no stranger to violation of laws and had twice been released on bail for public offense cases. He was also found to be an addict.

The case ran into complications with the Dangol family having to deal with the victims´ families over compensation matters. The victims´ families alleged that Dangol´s family tried to avoid the compensation issue. The matter was only settled after three weeks at Rs 500,000 for each victim. It is learned that Dangol´s family spent around Rs 500,000 for the treatment of Dipak Gupta, the injured Indian national. Gupta has already been discharged from the hospital.