1 cop killed, another hurt as mini-truck rams picket

A home guard of the Delhi Police died and a head constable suffered injuries when a speeding mini-truck rammed the picket they were manning in Hari Nagar area of west Delhi.

A home guard of the Delhi Police died and a head constable suffered injuries when a speeding mini-truck rammed the picket they were manning in Hari Nagar area of west Delhi.

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The incident took place outside the Tihar Jail premises around 4am on Sunday, when the policemen were flagging down the vehicle in order to inspect it and check its papers.

“Instead of stopping the vehicle, the driver sped on and rammed the picket, where they were standing. We suspect that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol as he was driving very rashly,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.

The victims — identified as home guard Hans Raj, 40, and head constable Digamber, 52 — were rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where Hansraj succumbed to his injuries while Digamber’s condition is said to be critical.

The occupants of the mini-truck abandoned the vehicle at the scene of crime.

A passerby called the police control room (PCR), after which the victims were taken to AIIMS. A case of causing death due to rash and negligent driving has been registered at the Hari Nagar police station.

A hunt is on to nab the driver. “We have identified the owner of the vehicle and are trying to ascertain the identity of the driver. We will arrest him soon,” the officer added.

Police said the truck was carrying frozen peas. Further investigations into the case are on.