Jaipur: A heart-wrenching accident took place in Nahargarh area of ​​​​Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, on Monday evening. A speeding SUV created chaos on the road, killing two people and injuring seven others. This hit-and-run incident happened when the drunk driver crushed pedestrians and two-wheelers with his car. The horrific scene of the accident was captured in CCTV, which is now going viral on social media.
The horrific night of the accident
This tragic incident took place just half a kilometer away from the Nahargarh police station at around 9:30 pm on Monday night. A white SUV, which was later seized by the police, first hit a pedestrian on MI Road. After this, this uncontrolled vehicle wreaked havoc in the narrow streets of Galta Gate and Nahargarh. According to eyewitnesses, the car hit pedestrians, two-wheelers and parked vehicles. In the accident, Avadhesh Pareek (37) and Mamta Kanwar (50) died on the spot, while seven others were seriously injured.

SMS police station sub-inspector Kanhaiyalal said, “This case of hit-and-run has been reported in Nahargarh area. A total of nine people were injured, of which two died. Four injured are being treated at the trauma centre, while three were discharged after first aid.” Among the injured, 17-year-old Deepika Soni and Mamta’s brother Virendra Singh (45) remain in critical condition.

Drunk driver, angry mob

After the accident, the driver tried to escape by abandoning the car, but the locals chased him and caught him and handed him over to the police. Initial investigation by the police revealed that the driver, identified as Usman Khan (55), was in an inebriated state. Additional DCP (North) Bajrang Singh said, “The driver was drunk. His medical examination has been done, and strict action will be taken.” After the accident, the angry mob broke the car, due to which additional police force had to be called.

Visit of leaders, pain in statements

On receiving the information of the incident, Kishanpole MLA Amin Kagzi and Hawa Mahal MLA Balmukundacharya reached SMS Hospital to know the condition of the injured. Kagzi said, “We saw nine injured being brought to the hospital. The condition of a woman and her brother is very critical. It is sad that so many families have been ruined due to drug addiction.” At the same time, Balmukundacharya expressed anger at the driver and said, “He was so drunk that he fainted. First MI Road, then Galta Gate and Nahargarh—he created havoc everywhere.”

Question on road safety

This accident is once again raising questions on the road safety of the city. The narrow lanes and busy market areas of Nahargarh have witnessed accidents earlier as well. Eyewitness Ravi Singh, who chased the driver, said, “The car was going so fast that there was no stopping. We caught him from Nahargarh crossing.” Police say that the entire case is being investigated with the help of CCTV footage.

What do the figures say?

The graph of road accidents in Rajasthan is constantly increasing. According to experts, drunk driving and speeding are the major reasons for these accidents. Road safety expert Ajay Mehta says, “Only strict laws and awareness can prevent such cases. There is a dire need for traffic control in areas like Nahargarh.”

The challenge ahead

The police have taken the driver into custody and seized the car. But the condition of the injured and the pain of the families of the deceased is yet to be seen. A family member present in the hospital said, “Our lives have been ruined. What was our mistake?” This incident is not only the tragedy of a family, but also a warning for the society. Will a lesson be learnt from this accident, or will it remain just another news? Only time will tell.