Delhi Hit-And-Run: Cyclist Killed After Mercedes Rams Into Him in Ashram Area, Driver Absconding

New Delhi: In another case of hit-and-run, a 34-year-old cyclist was killed on the spot after being struck by a speeding Mercedes in Ashram area in the national capital. A day after the accident, police detained the accused driver and seized the luxury vehicle on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday. After the crash, the accused fled from the spot in his luxury car. The deceased has been identified as Rajesh who was knocked down while he was walking with his bicycle in the South East Delhi area.

Victim's Kin Demand Justice

Subsequently, police registered an FIR in connection with the tragic incident. Police officials also scanned CCTV footage to find any significant lead.

Arjun, kin of victim, said that the intensity of the crash was such that Rajesh was thrown away 50 meters away while his bicycle was thrown 200 meters away.

He said Rajesh is survived by small children. "He should get justice. The speed of the car was very high," said the kin.

Arjun said the victims used to go to office by bicycle every day.

This incident is latest in a series of hit-and-run incidents. There has been surge in hit-and-run cases across the country, raising concerns over the lack of awareness among motorists and the need to to strengthen traffic protocols. The rising cases also reflect the need for greater awareness and safer practices on the roads.

A few months ago, the Pune hit-and-run case, in which a juvenile allegedly in an inebriated condition knocked down two techies in the Kalyani Nagar area, remained in the spot in spotlight. The incident led to massive uproar across the country after the minor, son of a well-established builder, was granted bail by a court, prompting the court to withdraw his order and send the minor to a rehabilitation centre. Later, his father was also arrested for allowing the minor to drive the car. Probe into the case is still ongoing.

Surge in Hit-And-Run Cases

A hit-and-run case is defined as incident where the accused flees the scene without reporting the incident to authorities or helping the victims. According to media report, there has been a rise in such cases in India, with 67,387 incidents in 2022 alone, resulting in the deaths of 30,486 people, the highest in the last ten years. Most frequent reasons cited for fleeing the scene of is the fear of being manhandled or monetarily fleeced or getting entangled in court proceedings.