Tragedy Strikes Ghaziabad: Driver's Haste Claims Life of Sleeping Shopkeeper

A horrifying incident in Ghaziabad’s Kavi Nagar area has cast a somber shadow over the lives of hardworking roadside vendors, after a speeding vehicle tragically ran over three sleeping shopkeepers. The devastating accident, which occurred in the early hours, claimed the life of one vendor and left two others critically injured, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The deceased has been identified as 50-year-old Shiv Shanker, a vegetable vendor who, like many others, sought rest by the roadside after a long day’s work.

His two companions, Mahendra and Rajesh, also vegetable sellers, sustained grievous injuries in the pre-dawn tragedy and are currently receiving medical attention. The incident underscores the extreme vulnerability of those who, due to circumstance, are forced to make pavements their temporary homes.

Police officials quickly responded to the scene, apprehending the driver, 25-year-old Amit Kumar, a resident of Lal Kuan within Kavi Nagar.

According to authorities, Kumar was behind the wheel of a Maruti Suzuki Brezza when he allegedly lost control, veering onto the pavement where the shopkeepers were sleeping. The vehicle has since been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

During initial interrogation, Amit Kumar claimed he was in a frantic rush to transport his ailing mother to a private hospital when the accident occurred.

While the police acknowledge his statement, they are thoroughly investigating the circumstances leading to him losing control of the vehicle. This tragic event has led to charges being filed against Kumar under sections 279 (rash driving), 304A (causing death by negligence), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code.

The community mourns the loss of Shiv Shanker and prays for the swift recovery of Mahendra and Rajesh.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for increased road safety measures and greater protection for those who live and work on the margins of urban landscapes. The pursuit of justice for the victims remains paramount as the investigation continues.