A horrifying hit-and-run incident in Jammu’s upscale Gandhi Nagar locality has triggered widespread public outrage, after a 20-year-old engineering student, allegedly driving a SUV, mowed down an elderly man on a two-wheeler — not once, but twice — before fleeing the scene.
Representative Image (Photo: IANS)
A horrifying hit-and-run incident in Jammu’s upscale Gandhi Nagar locality has triggered widespread public outrage, after a 20-year-old engineering student, allegedly driving a SUV, mowed down an elderly man on a two-wheeler — not once, but twice — before fleeing the scene.
The victim, who remains critical with a suspected brain haemorrhage, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Jammu. The accused, identified as Mannan Anand, is on the run. His father, the registered owner of the vehicle, has been detained for questioning, police said.
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According to CCTV footage now widely circulating on social media, the SUV first collided head-on with the scooter near Green Belt Park around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses allege that Anand, instead of stopping, deliberately reversed the SUV with speed and crushed the elderly man a second time before fleeing the scene.
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Passersby quickly came to the victim’s aid and rushed him to GMC Jammu. Medical authorities confirmed he is in the ICU with multiple injuries, including a skull fracture. “Our father was hit twice. The accused showed clear intent to kill. Strict action must be taken — this is no accident, this is attempted murder,” the victim’s son told reporters.
Jammu Police have registered an FIR at Police Station Gandhi Nagar under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and have now invoked Section 109 (attempt to murder) after reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts.
“The collision occurred near Allora Textiles, Green Belt Park. The Mahindra Thar, driven recklessly from Gandhi Nagar, hit a scooty approaching from the opposite side. The injured rider was shifted to GMC Jammu by bystanders,” according to a statement issued by Jammu District Police.
“During the investigation, eyewitness statements and CCTV evidence confirmed that after the initial impact, the Thar was reversed deliberately to crush the victim again. Accordingly, Section 109 of BNS has been added,” the statement added.
Police have seized the vehicle and confirmed that a mechanical inspection will be conducted. The investigation is being carried out under the close supervision of the SDPO South and SP South, with authorities vowing a thorough probe into all legal and forensic aspects.
“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the rising cases of road rage and reckless driving. Hit-and-run cases are rare in Jammu — this is something we hear happening in metros like Delhi. Authorities must set an example with strict and swift justice,” said a local resident, echoing the sentiments of many on social media.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the absconding driver. “Jammu Police reiterates its commitment to a fair and time-bound investigation and urges citizens to come forward with any relevant details,” the statement said.
As the city reels from the shock of the brazen act, calls are growing louder for stricter implementation of road safety laws and harsher penalties for hit-and-run offenders.
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