A tragic road accident in Kullu district has claimed the life of a 60-year-old pedestrian, who was allegedly hit, dragged, and run over twice by a Delhi-registered car driven by an intoxicated tourist. The incident occurred on Monday in the Farm area on Naggar Road, near Manali, just days after a tourist from Punjab shot a local man in the leg during a dispute over parking in Kasol.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the Maruti Swift car with registration number DL12CU0584 was being driven on the wrong side of the road when it struck the victim, Ram Krishan, a local resident who was walking along the roadside. Witnesses alleged that the driver, identified as 29-year-old Vikrant Vij from Karol Bagh in Delhi, dragged the victim for nearly 25 feet before reversing the vehicle and running over him again, resulting in his death on the spot.
Eyewitness Account
Om Prakash, an eyewitness, stated that he was heading towards the town after getting his vehicle washed when the speeding car from Delhi overtook him. He claimed the vehicle had two young men and a woman inside, with loud music playing, and that the occupants were allegedly consuming liquor while traveling. The driver appeared to be intoxicated, Prakash added.
Police Response and Legal Action
Local residents managed to stop the driver when he allegedly tried to flee the scene. They informed the police, who arrested the accused and took the body into custody for post-mortem examination. Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal said a case had been registered against the accused under Section 105 of the BNS, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Statements of witnesses have been recorded under Section 173 of the BNSS.
The SP confirmed that Vij had been arrested and the vehicle impounded, while the other occupants of the car were being questioned. “The investigation is ongoing and all aspects are being examined thoroughly,” said Kaushal. The police have sent the victim’s body for autopsy to piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragic death.
Security Concerns in Parbati Valley
The Kasol firing incident has triggered concern across Parbati valley, with residents demanding enhanced security against armed and unruly visitors. Local residents are calling for a permanent security checkpost at Hathithan near Bhunter to monitor tourists entering the region. The recent incidents have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and tourist behavior regulations to ensure the safety of local communities.
