Indian teen’s family sues NYC for $105 million over carriage death

The family of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan has filed a $105 million compensation claim against New York City, alleging negligence caused his death in a horse-carriage accident in Central Park last June. Greatandhra.com and Telangana Today report that the family claims stray electricity in the park spooked the horse, causing it to bolt. Mahajan, from Pathankot, was celebrating his high school graduation with his family when the carriage driver got out to take a photo. The horse bolted, throwing Mahajan's mother Priya off the vehicle. Mahajan jumped after her in an attempt to save her but hit his head on the ground and died.

The family has filed notices against the city and four of its departments, the first step toward suing in court. The stray voltage allegation echoes a claim by the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage driver Ertan Gokdepe. Union Vice President Alexander Kemp said drivers should not be punished for hazards caused by flaws in the city's power grid. The tragedy has renewed calls to ban horse-drawn carriages, a tourist attraction in New York. A proposed law named the Romanch Mahajan Bill is expected to face a City Council vote soon, and supporters say it has majority backing. Mahajan's father, Deepak, made a tearful plea to the Council last month, calling the accident a preventable safety violation.