Elderly Rickshaw Driver Fatally Struck by Allegedly Drunk Driver in Ahmedabad
A tragic incident unfolded in Ahmedabad on Friday, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old passenger rickshaw driver. The victim, identified as Hariprasad Pandey, was walking home after giving his vehicle for repairs when he was fatally knocked down by a speeding loading rickshaw. The driver of the loading rickshaw, Raju Jatav, was allegedly heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident, according to witnesses.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred in the Odhav area of Ahmedabad, near the ONGC well wall on the road between Panjarapol Crossroads and Paryavaran Mandir. Hariprasad Pandey, a resident of Giriraj Society in Adinathnagar, had left his home around 9:30 AM to get his rickshaw repaired. When he did not return by evening, his son, Shailesh (36), grew concerned and attempted to call him multiple times, but the line was consistently busy.
Around 7:45 PM, another rickshaw driver who knew Hariprasad informed Shailesh at his garment shop about the accident. Upon reaching the spot, Shailesh, along with his wife and younger siblings, found his father lying dead on the roadside with severe injuries to his head and face. The blue loading vehicle involved in the incident was found a short distance away and notably lacked a registration number plate.
Community Response and Police Action
Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver, Raju Jatav, appeared heavily intoxicated and was unable to stand properly. Locals quickly intervened, catching hold of Jatav and handing him over to the police. Shailesh has since filed a formal police complaint regarding the incident, detailing the events leading to his father's untimely death.
This case highlights the dangers of drunk driving and its devastating consequences on families and communities. Authorities are investigating the matter further to ensure justice is served.
