The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Vadakara, has directed an insurance company to pay ₹1.15 crore as compensation to nine-year-old Drishana, who has been in a coma for around a year after a devastating hit-and-run accident at Chorod in February 2024, following which her grandmother Puthalath Baby also lost her life.This ruling could provide a crucial financial lifeline for the ongoing, intensive medical care for Drishana. The police had identified the accused as Methil Punathil Shajeel, a resident of Purameri. The vehicle involved was traced to a white Maruti Suzuki Swift with registration number KL 18 R 1846. Shajeel was apprehended by the police at the Coimbatore International Airport in February 2025, though he had reportedly fled to Dubai after the incident.The District Crime Branch submitted a chargesheet on February 15, 2025, at the Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. The criminal proceedings against the accused, Shajeel, are continuing in the Vadakara court. Shajeel is currently out on bail, facing charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt.The accident had happened when Drishana and Baby were crossing the road after alighting from a bus. A speeding car hit both of them, killing Baby on the spot. Drishana, a Class 5 student, slipped into a coma after suffering severe head injuries.Published - November 19, 2025 12:00 am IST