By Rohini Sridharan
A tea vendor was killed in a tragic incident early Thursday morning after being run over by a Delhi Police control room (PCR) van near the Gole market area. The victim was identified as Ganga Ram Tiwari, was a physically challenged, middle-aged man, allegedly in his 50s, who had been selling tea under a tree near the Ram Krishna Ashram metro station for over ten years.
As per the eye witnesses’ statement, it is said that Tiwari was sleeping beside his stall when the PCR van suddenly diverged off the road, mounted a ramp and crushed him, killing him on the spot.
Police officials stated that the driver of the van accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the vehicle to lose control. However, several locals who witnessed this fatal incident alleged that the police personnel inside the van appeared to be intoxicated. Eyewitness Pandit Babu claimed that there were traces of liquor bottles inside the van and the nearby police post.
In response to this, both the police personnel involved – an assistant sub-inspector and a constable have been suspended. They are being sent for the medical examination. A case was also registered. Authorities say that the investigation is underway. Additional DCP of New Delhi, Hukma Ram, described this as an unfortunate incident and assured that strict action would be taken as per the law.
Tiwari’s cadaver was sent for post-mortem examination, and locals held a small gathering near his tea stall to pay respect. The community, in shock and grief, is demanding justice and accountability. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about police conduct and responsibility.