BMW accident: Transport dept issues show-cause notice to driver

Panaji: The directorate of transport has issued a show-cause notice to Jagdish Sardesai on Tuesday after taking suo motu cognisance of a viral video allegedly showing him engaging in rash and negligent driving in a BMW at Dona Paula.

The notice seeks an explanation as to why his driving licence should not be suspended or cancelled.

According to the assistant director of transport (ADT) at Panaji RTO, Oswin Carvalho, Sardesai has been given one week to submit his response, after which the matter will be reviewed by the director of transport.

TOI reported on May 21 that Sardesai, 27, was arrested by Panaji police for drunk, and rash and negligent driving after he crashed his BMW into multiple vehicles, leaving three cars damaged while driving from NIO Circle to Manipal Hospital.

“Sardesai is a habitual offender, but there were no previous complaints formally lodged with the department. While there was no complaint this time either, we decided to take suo motu cognisance of the matter,” he said. A local court previously fined Sardesai Rs 10,000 for a drunken driving offence.

He added that Sardesai’s licence has not been suspended at this stage. “Once he replies, the response will be considered by the director of transport, who will take a decision,” Carvalho said.