The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded a total compensation of over Rs 87 lakh to the family of a woman who died and two others who suffered serious injuries in a truck accident on the Nashik-Mumbai Highway in 2017. The accident occurred on April 22, 2017, when a group of Sadhwis and their attendants were on a religious pilgrimage from Nashik to Mumbai. The truck veered into the group, causing fatal and life-altering injuries to some of the members.
The tribunal, presided over by Chairman S.B. Agrawal, heard the claims filed against the truck owner, Munna Maghai Yadhav, and United India Insurance Co. Ltd. Advocate Y.S. Duduskar represented the petitioners, while Advocate K.V. Poojari represented the insurance company. The truck owner remained absent in all three cases.
The compensation awarded includes Rs 38.58 lakh to 66-year-old Ratnashilaji Hirachand Chopda Jain, who was wheelchair-bound and sustained severe head, chest, and abdominal injuries that have left her bedridden since the accident. The family of Ratni alias Rupni Hansda, who died due to severe head injuries, was awarded Rs 24.32 lakh. Another victim, 64-year-old Sunita alias Samonidevi Neyaka Manjhi, who suffered fractures and a head injury, was granted Rs 24.37 lakh.
The insurance company had raised a defense claiming that the vehicle driver lacked a valid license and permit, which would have breached the policy’s terms. However, the tribunal found no evidence to support this contention and held both the vehicle owner and the insurer jointly liable to pay the compensation. The order was dated May 8, and a copy was made available on Saturday. The tribunal’s decision provides some relief to the families of the victims, who have been affected by the devastating accident.