UMVA has learned that a solemn vigil will be held on Monday to honor the life of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist who tragically died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park last Wednesday.
Mahajan, who was visiting New York City from India with his family, suffered fatal injuries when the horse became spooked and bolted off, causing the carriage to crash into another and flip over. His father revealed that Romanch died a hero, trying to save his mother who had fallen out of the carriage during the impact.
According to information obtained by UMVA, New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) will host the vigil at the Cherry Hill Fountain, near the site of the tragic incident. The organization is also spearheading a campaign to rename the city's "Ryder's Law" to "Romanch's Law" in Mahajan's memory.
Ryder's Law aims to phase out horse-drawn carriages in NYC, a move long advocated by animal welfare groups. The bill was first proposed in 2022 after a horse named Ryder collapsed and died on a street in Hell's Kitchen. Council Member Chris Marte has renewed the call for its passage, and Council Speaker Julie Menin has announced a hearing for the bill in July.
"It is now time to act," Menin stated. "The Council recently introduced Ryder's Law to address longstanding concerns surrounding the horse carriage industry, and we will hold a hearing on the bill in July. We look forward to hearing from all stakeholders and reviewing measures to address horse welfare and public safety concerns as we work toward a thoughtful solution to this urgent issue."
The Transport Workers Union Local 100 has also stepped forward, offering condolences to Mahajan's family and pledging to develop new safety training protocols for horse carriage operators. About 200 carriage owners and drivers will be required to follow the new protocols.
The use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park has been a contentious issue, with animal rights groups pushing for a complete ban. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has vowed to work with the city council, the industry, and animal welfare advocates to end the practice, promising a "just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park once and for all."
