Former Intel India Chief, Avtar Saini, Fatally Struck by Speeding Cab in Navi Mumbai

Former Intel India country head, Avtar Saini, tragically lost his life in a fatal accident in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Police reports indicate that he was struck by a speeding cab while cycling in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 5:50 am on Palm Beach Road in the Nerul area, where Saini, 68, was cycling alongside fellow riders.

Avtar Saini: Intel Veteran and Passionate Cyclist

1. Avtar Saini, a resident of suburban Chembur, was renowned for his contributions to the development of Intel’s 386 and 486 microprocessors.
2. Additionally, Saini played a pivotal role in leading the design of Intel’s Pentium processor.
3. Known for his passion for cycling, the 68-year-old NRI had plans to return to the US next month. His son and daughter, who reside in the US, have been informed about the tragic incident and are en route to India.
4. A police official from the NRI Coastal police station disclosed that Saini’s relatives, based in Mumbai, had arrived at the hospital to claim his body.
5. Saini, who had previously lost his wife to illness, lived alone in Chembur during his visits to Mumbai.
6. Members of the CACG cycling group, of which Saini was a part, mentioned that he always prioritized safety by wearing appropriate gear during his cycling and trekking expeditions.
7. Saini dedicated 22 years of service to Intel.
8. Notably, he played a significant role in the initial phases of developing the Itanium Processor, a groundbreaking 64-bit Intel microprocessor.
9. Following his departure from Intel in January 2004, Saini remained engaged with various innovative technology firms, such as Montalvo Systems, where he served as the director of India operations from 2005 to 2008.

Police arrested the cab driver

The cab driver, apprehended by bystanders at the accident site, was subsequently turned over to the authorities, leading to the registration of a case against him for negligence and reckless driving.

The police have filed an FIR against the cab driver, citing multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 279 (for reckless driving), 337 (for causing injury by performing an act negligently), and 304-A (for causing death due to negligent actions not amounting to culpable homicide), along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The taxi, traveling at high speed, collided with Avtar Saini’s bicycle from behind. Subsequently, the driver attempted to flee the scene, with the bicycle’s frame trapped beneath the front wheels of the cab.