Apaghata - II

The day after the accident

Events on 28-Feb-2006

10:00 Hrs – 10:30 Hrs
I reached the Adugodi police station, and went to the Accident (Investigation) section. I was told that the Sub-Inspector was not available and had to wait. After sometime, I was asked to photocopy the FIR that was lodged (case no 51/06) and few other papers. I complied with the request and photocopied the documents. This was when I read the FIR and the complaint where I allegedly hit a pedestrian.
I was told that the document to have the car inspected by RTO was ready and it required the signature of the Sub Inspector Mr. B Siddappa and I was to wait for him.

10:30 Hrs to 11:30 Hrs
After waiting for an hour and half, the writer in the police station Mr. Shivanna himself, who was present from the time I got there, signed the RTO letter and handed the same over to me. When asked what the procedure was after the RTO inspection I was told that once the inspection is complete I can take my car.

11:30 Hrs to 12:30 hrs
I reached the RTO (Central) office in Koramangala BDA Complex. I was directed by the reception to the ARTO’s office. The ARTO signed the letter and directed me to an inspector. I met RTO inspector Thyagaraj (mobile number 9448004222). He informed me that he can reach the police station only at 15:00 hrs. He gave me his cell phone number and asked me to call him at 13:30 hrs.

13:30 hrs
I called the RTO inspector, who asked me to meet him at the police station at 14:10 hrs. I once again informed him that the car was parked in the premises of Adugodi (Law & Order) police station.

14:00 hrs – 15:15 hrs
I called the RTO inspector that I had reached the Adugodi police station. He asked me to wait there. In between he called me to check where I was, I again repeated I was at the Adugodi (Law & Order) police station.

15:30 hrs to 15:45 hrs
I fixed up to meet the RTO inspector at Adugodi Traffic Police station. I met Mr. Shivanna who told me they will complete the formalities for release of my vehicle once the RTO inspection is complete. Mr. Shivanna did not elaborate on the formalities despite me asking specifically about the formalities. Mr. Shivanna left to have lunch while I was waiting for the RTO inspector.
The RTO inspector met me at the Adugodi police station and I took him to the Adugodi (Law & Order) Police station. He inspected the car and asked me where the damage was. I informed him that there was no damage to the car from the accident I was involved in. He completed his inspection, wrote a note to the sub-inspector and left.

16:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs
I walked back to the Adugodi Police station. At that time, there was only one person in the Accident (investigation) section. Mr. Shivanna and Mr. B Siddappa were not available. I informed the person in the office that I will wait for them. After 30-45 mins the person in the office informed me to leave and come back tomorrow as Mr. Shivanna and Mr. B Siddappa were not available.
By this time, Mrs. Sheela Ladha and Major Kapur from the Koramangala residents welfare association called me and said they are on their way to the police station. Once they arrived, we met with Inspector of Police Mr. Singad. He asked me if I had the stamp paper ready. All the time I was in the police station, since morning I was not told that stamp paper was needed as part of the formalities. I informed Mr. Singad that the procedure needed to secure the release of the car was not explained to me. It was too late in the day to buy stamp paper as it is sold only in branches of State Bank of Mysore. Mr. Singad immediately instructed the personnel on duty to release my car and asked me to come back the next day to complete the formalities.