A 35-year-old man was killed after being struck by an SUV in Delhi's Rajouri Garden area on Tuesday evening, police said. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and authorities have launched a manhunt to trace him.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred around 8:30 PM near the Rajouri Garden metro station. According to eyewitnesses, the SUV, a white Toyota Fortuner, was speeding when it hit the victim, who was crossing the road. The impact threw the man several feet, and he succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
Police were alerted by passersby and reached the scene within minutes. The victim was identified as Ravi Kumar, a resident of the nearby Uttam Nagar area. He worked as a delivery executive for a food aggregator platform.
Police Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West District) Ghanshyam Bansal confirmed the incident. “The driver of the SUV has been identified and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. Teams are conducting raids to apprehend the accused,” he said.
Police have seized the vehicle, which was abandoned a few kilometers away from the accident site. The registration number of the SUV has been traced to a company in Noida, and officials are questioning the registered owner to establish the driver's identity.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents reported that the SUV was being driven recklessly and at high speed. “I heard a loud thud and saw a man lying on the road. The car didn’t stop and sped away. It was a scary moment,” said a shopkeeper who witnessed the accident.
Another eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, claimed that the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. “He was swerving before the accident. I saw him almost hit another two-wheeler just moments earlier,” he added.
Legal Action and Safety Concerns
Police have registered a case under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being examined to track the driver's escape route.
The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, which sees heavy traffic due to the metro station and commercial establishments. Residents have demanded better traffic management and stricter enforcement of speed limits.
Ravi Kumar’s family has been informed and is in shock. “He was the sole breadwinner for his family, including his parents and a younger sister. This is a huge loss for us,” said his brother, Akash.
Police have appealed to the public for any information about the driver’s whereabouts and have assured that strict action will be taken. The investigation is ongoing.
