Delhi couple waiting for auto after dentist visit hit by speeding SUV, woman dies

The driver has been arrested and is under investigation for driving under the influence.

A 71-year-old woman died and her husband was injured after a speeding SUV hit several vehicles before crashing into the couple near south Delhi’s Kailash Colony metro station in Greater Kailash-I area late on Sunday. Police said they have arrested the driver, who is being questioned.

Eyewitnesses said the speeding Mahindra SUV (EV) first hit a Thar, an auto rickshaw and a cycle rickshaw before hitting the couple (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

The deceased, Shashi Bhateja, is survived by her husband Kulbhushan and two daughters. She was a retired CPWD official and the couple lived in Lajpat Nagar IV, said police.

According to the police, the couple had left home to see a dentist on Sunday evening and were returning home when the incident took place. They were waiting for an auto when the SUV hit them.

Shashi was declared dead at Moolchand Hospital, while Kulbhushan suffered multiple injuries to his face and chest and is undergoing treatment.

Anant Mittal, DCP (south) said, “A PCR call about the incident was received around 7:15 pm. The accused had hit multiple vehicles before hitting the two pedestrians.Her husband was later declared fit for giving a statement on Monday morning.”

A case was registered under BNS Sections 281 (rash driving), 125 A (act endangering life) and 106 (causing death by negligence) against the driver. Police said the accused was identified as Tapan Ahir, 59, who has been working as a driver for a businessman since 1997.

“We found that Ahir had gone to pick up his brother from the Kailash Colony market. His blood samples have been collected and sent to Forensic Science Laboratory for alcohol test,” said the DCP.

Some information about the crash

The family members were devastated. Dipti Singh, Kulbhushan’s sister, said, “We received a call around 7.30-7.45 pm. My brother’s right eye is completely swollen and he suffered multiple injuries on his jaw and face. He also has fractures on his hand. The daughters are in shock. Shashi was shopping for sweets, rakhis and other things for Raksha Bandhan. She had invited both the daughters and all of us to their home. Now, he is in a wheelchair and bhabhi is gone.”

Charu, Shashi’s niece, said the family was shocked when they reached the hospital. “My aunt is dead and uncle’s face was badly injured. We want justice. They were simply walking on the road. What was their fault?.”

A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 281 (rash driving), 125A (act endangering life) and 106 (causing death by negligence) against the driver.