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Kolkata Learner Driver Dies After Car Plunges Into Pond

Police say preliminary evidence points to an accidental accelerator press, prompting a post-mortem and an ongoing inquiry.

Overview

  • The woman was identified as 35-year-old Sumitra Das of Prafulla Kanan in Keshtopur, and she was practising alone in her husband’s recently bought car before a driving test set for August 22.
  • Firefighters and Baguiati police recovered the submerged Hyundai Eon after about 90 minutes and found Das unresponsive in the driver’s seat.
  • Police said early findings indicate she may have pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, and her body was taken for a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death.
  • Officials noted Das did not yet hold a full driving licence and stressed that learner drivers must display L-plates and be accompanied by a licensed driver during practice.
  • The case, reported on Wednesday, has prompted local authorities to warn residents against unsupervised driving practice and may spur renewed checks on learner-driver rules and training in the area.