A heartbreaking tragedy in Sydney has claimed the life of a 33-year-old Indian woman Samanvitha Dhareshwar who was eight months pregnant. She was out for a quiet evening walk with her husband and three-year-old son in Hornsby last Friday when the accident occurred. Police said a Kia Carnival slowed down to let the family cross on George Street, but a speeding BMW crashed into the back of the Kia, pushing it forward and hitting Samanvitha. She suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, but doctors could not save her or her unborn baby.
Police identified the BMW driver as 19-year-old P-plater Aaron Papazoglu from Wahroonga. While both drivers escaped unhurt, Samanvitha died within minutes in front of her husband and child. She worked as an IT systems analyst at Alsco Uniforms, and her sudden death has left the Indian community in deep shock.
Aaron Papazoglu was later arrested and charged with dangerous and negligent driving causing death and causing the loss of a fetus. The case falls under Zoe’s Law, which allows stronger punishment when an unborn baby dies due to criminal negligence. His initial bail was refused because of the seriousness of the charges.
However, a week later, the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court granted him bail. Appearing via video link, his lawyers argued he had no prior criminal record and needed to attend work and university exams. His family sat in the front row supporting him.
What angered many was what happened afterward. As Aaron Papazoglu walked out of Silverwater Correctional Centre, he was seen smiling and surrounded by family, which many felt was insensitive considering a pregnant woman and her unborn child had lost their lives.
Under his bail conditions, he must remain at his home in Wahroonga, report to police weekly, pay a $50,000 surety, avoid contacting witnesses and cannot drive. He will return to court on January 13.
Meanwhile, the family of Samanvitha Dhareshwar is left grieving an unimaginable loss, while the man accused of causing it has returned home to await trial.
