Overview
- Driver P. Narayanasamy Poosaripadaiyachi, 66, was found guilty of rash and negligent driving in the Marine Drive collision and was ordered to pay a modest fine to the victim as compensation, with reports placing the amount at either Rs 20,000 or Rs 25,000.
- The magistrate called it a single lapse by a first-time offender and cited his age, the passage of more than eight years, and the ordeal of trial in taking a lenient view.
- Eyewitnesses testified the Western Railway-owned Innova was speeding at about 70 kmph when it hit Nidhi Jethmalani on a zebra crossing with the walk signal green, leaving her in a persistent vegetative state.
- In civil proceedings, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in 2021 awarded Rs 69.92 lakh with interest and set up a Rs 1.5 crore corpus for future care, which Western Railway has appealed while alleging contributory negligence.
- The Bombay High Court in 2025 urged the railway minister to consider a Rs 5 crore exceptional settlement, noting her severe condition and long-term costs, and the matter remains pending with the ministry.