Vagator accident: Man acquitted of culpable homicide

Panaji: A North Goa court has discharged Sachin Venugopal Kurup for culpable homicide but charged him for death due to rash and negligent driving in the 2023 speeding SUV incident that killed one at a resort at Vagator.Kurup allegedly drove his SUV at high speed into the premises of La Maoir Roma resort, killing its owner, Remedia Mary Albuquerque, and injuring two employees who were all present at the registration counter.Kurup sought discharge of the offences against him, stating that his blood alcohol tests and biochemical analysis reports were negative and that he fell unconscious at the wheel because of water therapy.He said that he opted for the therapy for better health, according to which he was only supposed to have water and absolutely no solid or other food.

He began the therapy five to six days prior to the accident at his own will, without any supervision of a qualified professional or expert, as it did not have any adverse effects when he had tried it earlier, he added.He then said that on the date of the accident, he went to meet his friend-cum-business associate at Maior Roma resort, Vagator, in his SUV. He suddenly fell unconscious while at the steering wheel, and when he regained consciousness, he realised that he was beaten badly by the public but did not know why, he told the court.

The court stated that Kurup’s claim was corroborated by his wife Alina Liubina in her statement recorded on the day following the incident and therefore it can be said to be an afterthought to obtain a discharge.CCTV footage of the incident was played out in the court, showing Kurup allegedly driving his SUV at high speed on the downward-sloping curved road leading to the reception area of the resort. The court observed that the footage indicated he was unconscious or lacked consciousness at the point of impact, and hence it could not be said he had the requisite knowledge that his act would cause death and injuries to the victims.The court held that it is not a fit case for complete discharge because the driving had caused a death. “There appears to be some degree of negligence and rashness on his part. The material also indicates that accused did not have any valid driving licence and insurance for the vehicle,” stated additional sessions judge-2, Merces, Bosco G F Roberts.