File mishap FIR against marathon organisers: Court to police

MUMBAI: A magistrate court on Saturday directed Powai police to register an FIR against the organisers of a 2017 marathon at Sakinaka and probe accusations of endangering lives of participants, after a 42-year-old businessman alleged that he and two others were knocked down by a car while running.
In the plea moved before the Andheri magistrate court in April, Kushal Agarwal from Chembur alleged that due to mismanagement of the organisers, Punjab Sanjhi Sabha, and its officebearers, no separate running path, away from vehicles, was chalked out for participants.An avid marathoner, the father of one said that the injuries left him unable to participate in any other races.
While a case was registered against the car driver, no action was taken against the organisers despite Agarwal’s requests. Aggrieved, Agarwal moved court through his lawyer Prakash Wagh.
The complaint was filed against the organisation and office-bearers, Kamal Deep Singh, Surjeet Singh and Surjeet Singh (Longia).
Agarwal said that the 9km marathon was held on November 26, 2017. He said that around 200 participants, including children, were part of the event. “There was a separate category for children. While we were waiting to start around 6.45am, I was shocked to see many vehicles, including trucks, moving along the route. I thought the area would be cordoned off just before the race,” Agarwal said, adding that there were no barricades.
In his plea, Agarwal said that he had paid Rs 350 towards participation form and the marathon T-shirt. He said the organisers had assured him they had all permissions and they had followed safety measures.
Agarwal said that at 7am when he reached the petrol pump near Chandivli, the car dashed him, his friend, and another participant. “After the accident, the injured and I, went to hospital by rickshaw. He said he suffered injuries to his right leg and was unable to work for seven months. “I suffered losses in my business too,” he said.