In a troubling development that has sent shockwaves through Ontario communities, the driver previously charged in a collision involving Premier Doug Ford’s vehicle has now been implicated in a separate, fatal crash that claimed the life of a father of three. This disturbing connection has raised serious questions about road safety and the enforcement of driving restrictions in the province.
Last Thursday evening, a devastating collision occurred in Scarborough when a vehicle allegedly traveling at high speed struck 41-year-old Devin Sekhon’s car at the intersection of McCowan Road and Steeles Avenue. Sekhon, described by family as a devoted father to three young children, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The unbearable pain we are experiencing cannot be put into words,” Sekhon’s brother-in-law told CO24 News in an emotional interview. “Three children have lost their father because someone decided to drive recklessly and now our family is shattered.”
Police have identified 21-year-old Sujay Vardhmane as the driver responsible and have charged him with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. Court documents reveal a troubling history – Vardhmane was previously charged in connection with a May 2023 collision involving Premier Doug Ford’s vehicle in Etobicoke. In that incident, Ford was uninjured when his SUV was struck while stopped at a traffic light.
Following the earlier incident, Vardhmane faced charges of careless driving and driving while under suspension. Sources close to the investigation confirm to Canada News that he was prohibited from driving at the time of both collisions.
“This represents a profound failure in our system,” said traffic safety advocate Maria Kowalski. “When someone prohibited from driving continues to operate vehicles with such devastating consequences, we must examine where our enforcement mechanisms are breaking down.”
The Premier’s office declined to comment on the connection between the two incidents, citing the ongoing investigation. However, Ford expressed condolences to the Sekhon family through a statement released Friday morning.
Legal experts speaking to CO24 Politics note that the case highlights significant challenges in preventing prohibited drivers from getting behind the wheel. “The current system relies heavily on compliance rather than active enforcement,” explained criminal defense attorney Jonathan Weinstein. “Without more robust monitoring mechanisms, we unfortunately see tragedies like this one.”
As the Sekhon family prepares funeral arrangements, community members have established a memorial fund to support the children who now face growing up without their father. The fund has already raised over $75,000 in just three days.
The case has renewed calls for stricter penalties for driving while prohibited and has prompted legislators to consider enhanced enforcement methods, including vehicle impoundment and electronic monitoring for repeat offenders.
As Ontario grapples with this tragedy, the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before our system effectively prevents dangerous and prohibited drivers from returning to our roads?
