New Delhi: A 55-year-old tea seller was killed on Thursday morning after a Delhi Police PCR van rammed into his roadside stall in central Delhi’s Mandir Marg area. The deceased, identified as Gangaram, was asleep at the time of the incident around 5 a.m. Police have suspended two personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector and a constable, in connection with the case.
Victim lived with son in Delhi
According to police, Gangaram lived in Delhi with his son, while his wife resides in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination. The incident sparked outrage among locals, with the victim’s family alleging misconduct by the policemen in the vehicle.
Family alleges cops were drunk
Gangaram’s son claimed that the police personnel in the van were intoxicated and had a woman with them. “It was around 5 o’clock, there was a police vehicle with 2 people in it, and there was one girl too. They were completely drunk. A bottle of alcohol was found in the car. The stench was so strong,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the officers had a habit of frequenting the area. “They bring the girl here at the back, it is their hangout spot, they go there every day,” he said.
Police order medical test, promise action
Delhi Police officials have stated that a medical examination of both suspended personnel has been ordered. “A case will be registered and a medical examination of both police personnel will be conducted,” an officer confirmed.
Additional DCP of New Delhi, Hukma Ram, described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured strict action. “The police are taking action as per the law. We will provide all possible help to the deceased, and compensation will be provided. We will check CCTVs. Further investigation is underway,” he said.
How the accident occurred
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident happened when the PCR van driver accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the vehicle to mount a roadside ramp and run over Gangaram.
Recent spate of fatal accidents
The incident comes close on the heels of the high-profile BMW crash in Delhi earlier this month, in which Navjot Singh, a 52-year-old deputy secretary in the finance ministry, was killed after his motorcycle was hit by a speeding SUV. His wife was injured in the accident, while the woman driving the BMW was later arrested.
Conclusion
The Mandir Marg case has once again raised serious questions about the conduct and accountability of police personnel. As investigations continue, the victim’s family awaits justice, while authorities face pressure to ensure stricter enforcement of law and order within their own ranks.
Delhi tea seller killed as PCR van rams stall, cops suspended