In a tragic late-night incident in Lalitpur district, an 18-year-old boy lost his life and two others sustained critical injuries after a high-speed SUV, belonging to the family of a Uttar Pradesh state minister, collided with a motorcycle. The accident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Jakhaura police station around midnight on Monday, sparking outrage among local residents who accused the police of protecting the minister's son.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, the victims were identified as Shivendra (18), Shankar Singh (45), and Anuj (20), all residents of Barkheda village. They were returning home on a motorcycle after attending a religious function when the SUV, traveling at an estimated speed of 100 kilometers per hour, struck them from behind. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene where the motorcycle was dragged for nearly 300 meters before the vehicle came to a stop.
Immediate Aftermath and Medical Response
Passers-by quickly rushed the injured men to Lalitpur Medical College for initial treatment. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were subsequently referred to Jhansi Medical College for advanced care. Tragically, Shivendra succumbed to his injuries en route to Jhansi, while Shankar Singh and Anuj remain in critical condition, fighting for their lives.
Allegations Against Minister's Son
Local residents and eyewitnesses have made serious allegations against the occupants of the SUV, claiming that the minister's son, Naresh, was among them and that all were heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident. They reported finding liquor bottles and disposable glasses inside the vehicle, pointing to evidence of drunken driving.
Eyewitness Accounts of Intimidation
Eyewitnesses further stated that after the crash, the SUV's airbags deployed, preventing injuries to the occupants, but all doors locked automatically. The occupants allegedly broke the rear windshield to escape. When locals gathered to protest, the minister's son is said to have brandished a firearm to threaten the crowd before fleeing the scene, adding a layer of intimidation to the already grave incident.
Community Outrage and Police Response
On Tuesday morning, agitated residents staged a road blockade, preventing police from removing the SUV and accusing authorities of shielding the minister's son. The protest subsided only after senior police officials arrived at the spot to address the situation.
Official Statements and Legal Action
Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Singh confirmed that the SUV is registered in the name of Kasturi Devi, the wife of Minister of State Manohar Lal Kori. He stated that police are actively verifying who was driving the vehicle and investigating claims of drunken driving, intimidation, and the use of a firearm. The body of the deceased has been sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the probe.
Lalitpur SP Mushtaq informed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the minister's son under sections 281 (reckless driving), 125(b) (endangering personal liberty), and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case, amid public pressure for justice.
