Team Goemkarponn
Mapusa: A 12-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on Tuesday night along the Peddem-Mapusa stretch of NH-66. The incident occurred around 7:45 pm while the child was playing with friends on the service road near the highway. She reportedly stepped onto the main road and was struck by a speeding two-wheeler.
The girl was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries despite efforts by medical personnel.
Mapusa Police launched an immediate investigation and managed to trace the motorcycle involved. It was found to have been ridden by a 16-year-old minor, who is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital for injuries sustained during the crash.
In connection with the case, police have arrested the rider’s father, Shabbir Sheikh (48), and the pillion rider, Rihan Sheikh (18). Authorities are continuing their probe and reviewing CCTV footage from the area to gather further evidence.
This is the first fatality reported at the Peddem junction, a location already flagged by residents as an accident-prone zone due to its complex traffic intersections. Though traffic signals were installed previously to address safety concerns, the girl’s death has reignited public outcry over persistent road safety issues and inadequate pedestrian protection in the area.
