A shocking incident of alleged drunk driving unfolded outside the prestigious Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow, resulting in multiple injuries and significant property damage. The episode, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a 33-year-old man operating a heavy loader vehicle, commonly known as a trailer, in a reckless manner that endangered numerous lives.
Chaotic Scene Captured on CCTV
The entire sequence of events was meticulously recorded by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. According to police reports, the accused, identified as Rajendra Kumar, a resident of Unnao, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of the trailer. In a terrifying spree, he rammed into several vehicles parked and moving near the hospital premises, creating a scene of chaos and panic.
Multiple Vehicles Damaged, Injuries Reported
The impact of the heavy loader was severe, affecting multiple individuals and their property. A car carrying Praveen Kumar Mishra and Gaurav Yadav was struck from behind with considerable force. Inside this vehicle, patient Ritesh Upadhyay and his wife, Pooja Upadhyay, who reside in Vrindavan Yojana, fortunately escaped without any physical harm, though they were undoubtedly traumatized by the experience.
In addition, a parked motorcycle belonging to Dr. Devendra Patel, a surgeon at SGPGI's general hospital, sustained significant damage. At the time of the incident, Dr. Patel was nearby purchasing medicines, narrowly avoiding personal injury. The most serious consequences, however, were borne by individuals who suffered physical injuries.
Medical Personnel and Students Among the Injured
The collision resulted in injuries to several people, with medical professionals and students being notably affected. Suryapratap Singh, a 29-year-old senior resident at SGPGI, sustained the most severe injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. Two other young individuals were also hurt in the incident.
- Ayush Jaiswal, a 21-year-old physiotherapy student, suffered injuries that required immediate care.
- Abhishek Singh, a 20-year-old dialysis student, was also injured, highlighting the vulnerability of those in the medical community.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Rajendra Kumar fled the scene in an attempt to evade responsibility. However, law enforcement agencies acted swiftly, tracking him down and making an arrest on Wednesday. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) South, Vasanth Rallapalli, confirmed the arrest, stating that the accused is now in custody and facing charges related to drunk driving, reckless endangerment, and property damage.
This case has raised serious concerns about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws in busy urban areas like Lucknow. Authorities are emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent such dangerous behavior, especially near sensitive locations such as hospitals where vulnerable patients and healthcare workers are present.
