Gujarat teacher files FIR against himself, taking blame for wife's death in fatal accident involving stray dog

In a tragic incident, a 55-year-old resident of Gujarat's Narmada district, Paresh Doshi, took the unusual step of filing an FIR against himself following a fatal accident involving his wife after his car met with an accident as he tried to save a dog. The incident occurred on the Kheroj-Khedbrahma highway near Daan Mahudi village in Sabarkantha. Doshi and his wife, Amita, were returning from Ambaji temple when a stray dog suddenly darted in front of their car. In a self-blaming statement to the police, Doshi explained that, in an attempt to avoid hitting the dog, he swerved the vehicle, leading to a collision with makeshift pillars and barricades on the roadside.

Doshi, a teacher, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy, stating that they had left their home early on Sunday, reached Ambaji temple around noon, but found it closed. After waiting until 1.30 pm, they offered prayers and began their journey towards Suka Amba village. The sudden appearance of the stray dog prompted Doshi's evasive maneuver, causing the vehicle to lose control and collide with the roadside obstacles.

The impact of the collision was severe, with one of the barricades piercing through the car's passenger window, trapping Amita in her seat. Despite bystanders rushing to the scene and helping the couple out of the vehicle, Amita succumbed to her injuries. Doshi, displaying a rare sense of accountability, filed a complaint against himself for causing death by negligence and rash driving.


This tragic incident sheds light on the broader issue of stray dog problems in Gujarat. Last year, Gujarat High Court expressed concern about the growing menace of stray dogs, saying that is making it challenging for many citizens to engage in morning walks. This remarks came after the court was hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which sought state intervention to control the escalating stray dog issue.