Man crossing road killed by vehicle in Deputy CM's convoy in Jammu
A man was killed after being hit by a vehicle that was part of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary's cavalcade in Jammu on Saturday, officials said. The incident occurred at Gangyal, on the outskirts of the city, as the convoy was returning after dropping the leader at his residence.
The victim was identified as Bharat, a resident of Bihar. He was crossing the road when he was struck by the vehicle, the officials said. The driver and accompanying security personnel immediately shifted him to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way. The deceased is believed to have been in the area for work, though his exact profession is not known.
A First Information Report was registered at the concerned police station. "An investigation is underway. Further details will be shared once the probe is complete," a police officer said. The vehicle involved has been taken into custody, and the driver is being questioned.
The vehicle was part of the Deputy Chief Minister's convoy that was returning to Jammu after dropping him at a destination in the vicinity. It is not immediately known whether the office of the Deputy Chief Minister has taken any note of the incident. No statement has been issued so far.
Surinder Choudhary, a senior National Conference leader, assumed the post of Deputy Chief Minister in 2024 as part of a coalition government in the Union Territory. His party has been prominent in the region's politics for decades. The incident has highlighted the safety challenges posed by the movement of high-profile convoys through populated areas, particularly in the wake of previous accidents involving official vehicles.
Road accidents are a significant cause of death in India. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India saw over 4.5 lakh road accidents in 2022, resulting in more than 1.5 lakh deaths. Pedestrians account for a notable share of these fatalities. Road safety experts have often pointed out that dedicated pedestrian crossings, proper lighting, and strict enforcement of speed limits can reduce such incidents.
The police are examining the circumstances of the accident, including the speed of the vehicle and the position of the pedestrian. The investigation will also consider whether the driver followed the requisite precautions. Officials have appealed to any witnesses to come forward and assist in the inquiry.
The victim's family in Bihar has been informed. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and the remains are expected to be handed over to the family soon. Local administration officials have promised all assistance, including any required documentation for the transfer of the body.
The incident has triggered discussion in the region about road safety for pedestrians and the need for stricter oversight of convoy movements. While the investigation is in its initial stages, the outcome may lead to recommendations for changes in protocol, if any lapses are found. The investigation is expected to take a few days, and the findings will be made public in due course.
