Tragic SUV Crash in Delhi: Accused Teen Father Expresses Remorse as Investigation Intensifies

New Delhi, February 18, 2026: The national capital is once again grappling with the devastating consequences of underage driving following a high-speed collision in Delhi that claimed the life of a 23-year-old motorcyclist. In the wake of the incident, the father of the juvenile accused has broken his silence, describing the event as a “grave mistake” and offering a public apology to the victim’s family.

The Incident: A Life Cut Short

The fatal accident occurred late Sunday night when a luxury SUV, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old, collided with a motorcycle. The victim, identified as a 23-year-old delivery executive and aspiring student, was reportedly dragged for several meters due to the impact. Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after, but the young man was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Eyewitnesses accounts suggest the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed in a residential zone. Following the crash, the minor was apprehended by local authorities, sparking a heated debate regarding road safety and parental accountability.

“A Grave Mistake”: The Father’s Statement

Speaking to the media outside the police station, the father of the accused—a prominent local businessman—appeared visibly shaken.

“It is a grave mistake, and I am very, very sorry for what has happened,” he stated. “No words can bring back the life that was lost. We are devastated for the family of the young man. We are prepared to cooperate fully with the legal process.”

While the father expressed deep remorse, the statement has met with significant backlash on social media, with many questioning why a minor was given access to a high-powered vehicle in the first place.

Legal Implications and Charges

Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
• Rash and negligent driving.
• Endangering the life or personal safety of others.

Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, the consequences for the guardian or owner of the vehicle are severe. The law stipulates that in cases of juvenile driving, the registration of the vehicle may be cancelled, and the guardian can face a heavy fine and imprisonment, unless they can prove the offense was committed without their knowledge.

Key Legal Focus	Description
Parental Liability	The father may face charges for allowing a minor to drive.
Juvenile Justice Board	The court will decide if the teen should be tried as an adult given the severity.
Vehicle Impoundment	The SUV has been seized for forensic examination.

The Growing Crisis of Underage Driving

This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the rising trend of “joyriding” among minors in metropolitan cities. Road safety experts argue that the issue is not just a lack of policing, but a cultural problem where luxury vehicles are treated as status symbols rather than dangerous machinery.

Safety advocates are calling for:

• Stricter monitoring of CCTV footage in residential areas.
• Mandatory educational workshops for parents of minors caught driving.
• Enhanced penalties for vehicle owners who knowingly provide keys to unlicensed individuals.

Moving Forward

As the investigation continues, the victim’s family has called for the “strictest possible punishment,” urging the authorities not to let the accused off lightly due to his age or family background.

The Delhi Police have assured the public of a transparent probe. “We are collecting digital evidence and statements from witnesses to ensure a watertight case,” a senior official remarked.