Refusing to release Punjab Native Malkiyat Singh on probation, Metropolitan Magistrate Sandeep Garg also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on him, observing that the number of deaths in road mishaps has surpassed deaths under natural circumstances.
"The offence committed by the convict is grave in nature, whereby he was driving the offending dumper truck in a rash / negligent manner... The court is of considered opinion that the convict does not deserve to be given the benefit of probation.
"The incidents of fatal accidents have risen tremendously in past couple of years. In fact, the number of deaths caused in road accidents is much more than deaths caused under natural circumstances," the court said.
According to the police, Singh had on July 25, 2003 hit cyclist Pancham with his rashly-driven truck near Mehrauli here resulting in his death.
During the trial, two police officials had deposed before the court that they had witnessed the accident themselves and had seen the truck being driven by Singh at a very high speed in a zig-zag manner.
Singh, on the other hand, had said the prosecution's version was false as there were too many discrepancies and inconsistencies in the testimony of the two witnesses.
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The court, however, had dismissed his argument saying the testimony of the police officials was "cogent, convincing and inspired confidence."
The court has suspended Singh's sentence for a month and he was granted bail to file an appeal against the order in a superior court.