Families of Sai Baba Devotees Killed in 2018 Accident Receive Compensation from Thane MACT

Thane, 18th March 2024: In a tragic incident dating back to 2018, the Thane Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has rendered a verdict awarding a total compensation of Rs 49.32 lakh to the families of two individuals who lost their lives and to five others who sustained injuries in a road accident.

The victims, all devotees of Saibaba, were part of a procession accompanying a ‘Sai Palkhi’ towards Shirdi on December 22, 2018, when a car collided with them from behind near Devpur Phata on the Sinnar-Shirdi road, as outlined by the petitioners’ advocate, S M Pawar.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives, while several others suffered injuries in the collision. MACT Chairman and Principal District Judge S B Agrawal, in an order issued on March 7, adjudicated seven claims pertaining to the families of the deceased and the injured parties.

According to the tribunal’s ruling, the compensation, inclusive of interest at a rate of 7.50% per annum from the date of claim filing, is to be initially provided by the insurance company of the offending vehicle and subsequently recovered from its owner.

The parents of 19-year-old Aniket Deepak Mehatre, who lost his life in the accident, were granted a compensation of Rs 25 lakh. Aniket, who was employed and earning a monthly salary of Rs 30,000, was tragically taken from his family.

Additionally, the mother and brother of Andru Anthony Kini (32), another victim of the incident, were awarded a compensation of Rs 16,82,800. Andru, who was earning Rs 50,000 per month at the time, left behind grieving loved ones.

The tribunal further stipulated that a portion of the compensation be invested in fixed deposits for a specified duration, with the remainder disbursed to the claimants. Additionally, compensations ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 4 lakh were granted to five other individuals based on their injuries and the consequent impact on their livelihoods.

In its deliberation, the MACT considered various factors including eyewitness testimonies and police reports, which pointed to the driver’s negligence. Despite attempts by the vehicle’s insurer to contest the claims based on the driver’s license validity and potential intoxication, the tribunal upheld its decision, prioritizing justice for the victims and their families.