Delhi BMW crash: Accused driver Gaganpreet Kaur claims car did not hit victim Navjot Singh, seeks bail
The accident tragically claimed the life of Deputy Secretary Navjot Singh, 52, and left his wife critically injured
PTC Web Desk: In the ongoing Dhaula Kuan BMW case, accused Gaganpreet Kaur, 38, appeared before Judicial Magistrate Ankit Garg on Wednesday, claiming through her counsel that her vehicle did not collide with the motorbike involved in the accident. She further stated that she rushed the injured to the hospital within 24 minutes of the crash.
Gaganpreet Kaur, alleged to be driving the BMW that struck a two-wheeler being driven by a senior finance ministry official and his wife, remains in judicial custody until September 27. The accident tragically claimed the life of Deputy Secretary Navjot Singh, 52, and left his wife critically injured.
Her defense counsel argued that CCTV footage contradicted the FIR, asserting that the car initially hit the footpath, flipped, and was subsequently struck by the motorcycle and a bus. He said Gaganpreet Kaur’s prompt actions in arranging medical aid and claimed she acted in good faith to help the injured.
“The victims were transported to Nulife Hospital in approximately 23-24 minutes. Alternative hospitals like AIIMS or Venkateshwar would have taken 36 minutes, a difference of 12 minutes over 4 km,” her lawyer said. He maintained that Section 105 of the BNS, invoked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, was incorrectly applied as there was no intent to cause death.
The public prosecutor countered, stating the victim’s wife had requested the nearest hospital and not Nulife, which is linked to the accused’s relatives. He highlighted potential delays and questioned whether the hospital choice was aimed at safeguarding legal interests rather than prioritising medical aid.
“The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act mandates taking the injured to the nearest medical facility. There was an omission here,” the prosecutor noted. He also emphasised that the investigation was in its early stages, with concerns over possible evidence tampering.
The court directed the investigating officer to submit CCTV footage and relevant documents by September 25 and asked for the prosecution’s response regarding the van driver’s internet usage between 1:30 pm and 2:15 pm.
The FIR has been registered under Sections 281 (rash driving), 125B (endangering life or personal safety of others), 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the BNS.