New Delhi: The nation’s capital witnessed a horrifying bike crash, shedding light on the callousness and absence of empathy among Delhi‘s people.
A 30-year-old budding filmmaker lay seriously injured on the road, with onlookers snapping selfies and filming videos instead of rushing him to the hospital.
Piyush Pal, the filmmaker in question, was eventually taken to a hospital, but tragically, it was too late to save him. The distressing events surrounding this episode have sent shockwaves across the country, prompting people to question the lack of empathy and the obsession with documenting accidents.
Swarnendu Bose, a friend of Piyush Pal, lamented, “The most distressing part is that for a significant duration, no one stepped forward to assist him or transport him to the hospital. Those who eventually did explained that bystanders were too busy recording videos and taking selfies rather than offering help.”
Pal’s mobile phone and laptop were also reportedly stolen, and his family’s attempts to contact him were in vain, as the thief ignored their calls and eventually powered down the phone. Had someone taken the calls and informed the family, the outcome might have been different.
Outraged Netizens
“Rest in Peace, my dear friend. I don’t know you, but as a fellow filmmaker, I can feel your pain. Deepest condolences,” wrote one user.
Another Twitter user expressed their anger, saying, “A 28-year-old filmmaker bled to death on the streets of Delhi, struck by a speeding bike. Bystanders stole his laptop, purse, and phone. Many captured photographs and took selfies. A Zomato delivery person took him to the hospital, but it was too late. This is Delhi.”
A post on social media read, “A 30-year-old man lies bleeding on the roadside as people watch, take selfies, shoot videos, and steal his phone and laptop. He dies. It seems the residents of Delhi didn’t get the memo on ‘vasudaiva-kutumb’!”
“In Delhi, humanity has reached an all-time low. There’s something seriously wrong and rotten in our society, and it will take more than just policing to rectify it,” noted another user.
The incident occurred on the Outer Ring Road, in the lane leading from IIT crossing to Nehru Place, around 9:45 pm on a Saturday. CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump captured the events.
In the footage, Piyush Pal is seen changing lanes on his bike near Panchsheel Enclave when another bike crashes into him from behind. The collision caused the filmmaker’s motorcycle to skid and drag for a few meters on the road.
Pankaj Jain, a bystander, along with a few others, eventually came forward to investigate the commotion, leading to some action. They placed him in an autorickshaw and took him to a nearby clinic, which was not equipped to handle his injuries. Subsequently, they rushed him to PSRI Multispeciality Hospital on Press Enclave Marg, but it was too late to save him.
