New Delhi, 18 Sept

A 55-year-old physically challenged tea seller was killed after a police patrolling car rammed into his roadside stall in central Delhi's Mandir Marg area on Thursday morning, police said.

The victim, identified as Gangaram Tiwari, was asleep at his tea stall around 5am when the incident occurred, a senior police officer said. The PCR car driver, Constable Khimlesh, has been arrested, while the Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police has been suspended.

Officials said the driver told police he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. A case under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) has been registered at Mandir Marg Police Station.

Locals claimed the police personnel appeared intoxicated, and alcohol bottles were found in the car, though police said medical reports confirmed no traces of alcohol.

Residents recounted the horrifying scene. Vinod Yadav, a local, said, “We saw the PCR car crush Gangaram's head. When we tried to intervene, police pulled out their pistols and threw away a mobile phone recording the incident.”

Pawan Kumar, a regular at the tea stall, said the car struck at high speed, killing Tiwari instantly. “He is usually awake by 4.30am, but today he was asleep. We rushed to help, but he had already passed away,” Kumar added.

Geeta, a close friend of Tiwari, said, “He was physically challenged but worked very hard. The police used to visit early, and he would serve them tea. His family must get fair compensation.” Raju, a rickshaw puller, said the impact of the crash was severe, leaving blood splattered across the area.

Tiwari is survived by his wife and six children. His eldest son lives in Delhi, while the rest of the family resides in Gonda. The body has been sent for postmortem, and further investigation is underway.

The incident has raised concerns over police road safety and accountability. Locals urged strict action, emphasising that Tiwari, despite his physical challenges, was a hard-working and well-liked member of the community. Police said they are probing all aspects of the case, including vehicle condition and driver conduct, while promising a fair investigation.