Father's Heartfelt Plea to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages After Son's Tragic Death

In a heart-wrenching appeal, Deepak Mahajan urges the New York City Council to ban horse-drawn carriages after his son, Romanch, tragically died in an accident while trying to save his mother. During a recent council meeting, Mahajan shared his grief and called for immediate action, emphasizing the need for safety regulations to protect visitors. The proposed law, named in honor of Romanch, aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future. With support from animal rights activists and public figures, the legislation gains momentum, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding horse-drawn carriages in the city. Mahajan's emotional testimony sheds light on the profound impact of this loss on his family.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 12:22 IST

A Father's Grief and Call for Change

Photo: IANS

New York, July 16: Deepak Mahajan, mourning the loss of his son in a horse carriage accident, has made an emotional appeal to the New York City Council, urging them to prohibit horse-drawn vehicles.

During a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Mahajan implored, "We are asking you directly, 'Take action now.'" This plea came as the Council deliberated on a proposed law named after his son, Romanch, who tragically lost his life last month in Central Park.

With tears in his eyes, he expressed that had the Council enacted a similar law last year, "the carriages would have ceased operations on June 1, 2026," potentially saving his son's life.

While visiting New York with his family, Romanch and his parents enjoyed a horse carriage ride, a popular tourist attraction. However, when the driver dismounted to capture a photo, the horse became startled, causing Priya Mahajan, Romanch's mother, to fall from the carriage.

In a heroic attempt to save her, Romanch leaped from the carriage but tragically struck his head, resulting in a fatal injury.

Mahajan emphasized, "This was not an unforeseen accident; it was a failure of safety protocols, a system that failed to protect visitors to our city. Everyone involved has acknowledged that the driver should not have left the carriage unattended."

He poignantly remarked, "A young boy arrived in America full of aspirations and left us far too soon," as Priya held a picture of Romanch adorned with angel wings, tears streaming down her face.

Council Speaker Julie Menin, who supports the proposed legislation, referred to Romanch as a hero, stating, "He died trying to protect his mother. This law, named in his memory, will safeguard countless lives: residents, tourists, and animals alike."

Outside City Hall, Romanch's aunt, Sovia Thukral, expressed her support for the legislation, stating, "I stand here for Romanch's law, ensuring his death is not forgotten, and that no other family endures what we are experiencing."

She added, "Death compels society to evolve, preventing future tragedies like ours. Please remember his name, Romanch Mahajan."

Animal rights advocates have long urged the City Council to ban horse-drawn carriages, a nostalgic ride for tourists, but efforts have been unsuccessful for nearly 40 years.

Among the notable supporters of the ban is Emmy Award-winning actress Edie Falco. Despite facing strong opposition from the drivers' powerful union, Romanch's tragic death has renewed momentum for the legislation, increasing its chances of passing.

Romanch had recently graduated from Angel's Public School in Mamun, Pathankot, and was set to attend one of India's top universities, as his father shared with the Council panel.

"We brought our son to New York to celebrate his graduation," he recounted. "He took his last breath in his mother's arms while his 11-year-old brother and I stood by, and now we relive that day repeatedly. Our family is shattered; the pain is unending," he lamented.

"We arrived in New York as a family of four," he concluded. "Now, we are learning to navigate life as a family of three, hour by hour."