Gurugram cyclists plan stir against another death

Shubhendu Chatterjee, a resident of Vatika City on Sohna Road, was mowed down by a car near the Delhi airport.

Cyclists in Delhi and Gurugram said they are planning a protest this week, to draw authorities’ attention towards the “dismal” state of cycling infrastructure in the National Capital Region (NCR), after a car rammed a cyclist in Mahipalpur on Sunday, killing him on the spot.

A Gurugram cyclist was mowed down by car near Delhi airport; driver nabbed

Himanshu Khanna, a Gurugram resident, a cyclist, and a friend of the deceased man, Shubhendu Chatterjee, said, “Such incidents are taking place over and over again, and the drivers get away with little punishment. We want the driver behind bars and a speedy trial so that the culprit can be punished.”

Chatterjee was a resident of Vatika City on Sohna Road and lived with his parents, wife and 21-year-old daughter. His friends remember him as an avid cyclist.

Chatterjee hailed from Kolkata and moved to Gurugram 10 years ago and initially started working with a private company. He later started his own garment-manufacturing unit, said his friends.

He often organized fundraising rides in Gurugram and Delhi.

Khanna called Chatterjee his mentor.

“He was known for his cycling skills across India. It’s a big loss for many cyclists who look for a mentor who can help them at the very beginning of their journey,” he said.

Nitin Mehta, a resident of the society where the victim lived, called Chatterjee a very helpful man.

“He used to extend himself for people who sought help or guidance,” Mehta said.