Delhi: Civil defence volunteer loses part of leg in hit-and-run at Saket, 3 others injured; driver arrested

The injured were identified as Hemant Kumar (23), his cousin Krishan Kumar (26), Krishan’s wife Meena (26) and the autorickshaw driver Ram Pravesh (43). While Meena is critical, Hemant lost part of his left leg. Police said Ram and Krishan have been discharged from the hospital.

DCP (South) Benita Mary Jaiker said police rushed to the spot and found a damaged autorickshaw and a motorbike. “The four injured persons were shifted to AIIMS Hospital. The team also inspected the spot and found that a part of the car’s bumper, with the number plate, had fallen off,” she said.

Based on the statement of eyewitnesses, a case was registered under sections of rash driving, causing hurt by endangering life and causing disappearance of evidence. “We added sections of disappearance of evidence as the driver fled with his car. The offending car was impounded and the driver, Vipul Dhingra (31), was arrested on April 20,” the DCP added.

Dhingra lives in Shalimar Bagh, police said, adding that he was released on bail as the sections in the case are bailable.

According to police, Hemant, a civil defence volunteer, was with his cousin and his wife on the bike. Speaking to The Indian Express on Saturday, Hemant alleged, “I was going to the hospital with my relatives when a speeding car hit us. We were flung into the air and fell metres away. I thought the car driver would stop to help but he reversed and ran over my leg. I lost my leg because of him. How will I work now? My mother and sisters are dependent on me. We lost our father years ago. I want that man to be arrested and punished. He ruined our lives.”

Hemant and Krishan’s sister Natasha, said, “We feel helpless. My mother keeps crying… My bhabhi is critical… she has injuries all over her body. We don’t know if she’ll survive. Hemant was going to get married next month. We don’t know what will happen now.”

The family said Krishan and Meena got married two years ago. Meena ran a salon and also worked as a social worker with schools and other organisations. The couple had come to meet Hemant’s family in Deoli and were on their way back to Sonpeat when the accident took place.

Police said further investigation is on to ascertain whether Dhingra was under the influence of alcohol at the time.