Tragedy Strikes Mandir Marg: Police Van Ends Life of Beloved Tea Seller

A pall of sorrow has descended upon Delhi's Mandir Marg after a tragic incident saw a 55-year-old tea vendor, Kailash, lose his life when a Delhi Police Emergency Response Vehicle (E-Rapo van) violently rammed into his roadside stall in the early hours of Monday. The fatal collision, which occurred around 5:30 AM, has sparked outrage and left a community reeling from the sudden loss of a familiar and hardworking face.

Kailash, a resident of RK Ashram, was a fixture in the Mandir Marg area, known for his morning tea and his dedication to his small business.

Each day, he would set up his humble stall, serving warmth and refreshment to early risers. However, what began as a routine Monday morning tragically ended in devastation for him and his family.

According to reports from the Delhi Police, the E-Rapo van, driven by Constable Mohit, was on duty when it reportedly lost control, veering sharply and crashing directly into Kailash’s tea stall.

The impact was severe, leaving the vendor critically injured. Despite immediate efforts to rush him to Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kailash was tragically declared dead upon arrival, succumbing to his injuries.

The force of the collision was immense, causing significant damage not only to Kailash's stall but also to the police vehicle itself.

Local residents and fellow vendors, upon witnessing the horrific scene, quickly gathered at the spot, their shock and grief soon turning into anger. The incident prompted a large assembly of people, expressing their dismay and demanding swift justice for the deceased. The situation underscored the deep emotional connection many had with the hardworking tea seller.

Following the incident, law enforcement moved swiftly.

Constable Mohit, the driver of the police van, was promptly apprehended. A case has been registered against him under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code: Section 279, pertaining to rash driving or riding on a public way, and Section 304A, which deals with causing death by negligence. These charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged misconduct and the tragic outcome.

Kailash leaves behind his wife, Sharda, three daughters, and a son, who now face an unimaginable void in their lives.

His wife, overcome with grief, arrived at the scene, her sorrow a poignant reminder of the human cost of such accidents. The incident has not only claimed a life but has also highlighted critical questions regarding road safety, accountability, and the conduct of those entrusted with public service.

As the community mourns Kailash, there is a collective call for thorough investigation and ensuring that justice is delivered for the untimely loss of a life.