Haryana cop runs over schoolchildren in Palwal; two killed, one critical
PTC Web Desk: A shocking case of reckless driving has come to the fore from Haryana’s Palwal district, where a policeman, reportedly in a drunken state, allegedly ran over three schoolchildren returning home, killing two of them on the spot and leaving one critically injured. The tragedy took place at Utawar village of Hathin block.
According to the father of the victims, his family resides in Nuria Mohalla, and his three children studied at Gareeba Public School in the village. On Saturday, after school hours, the children — Ayan (5), Ahsan (7), and Arzan (9) — were heading home when a speeding car struck them.
Ayan and Ahsan died on the spot, while Arzan sustained severe injuries. He was rushed to Nalhar Medical College initially but later referred to PGI Rohtak for advanced treatment. The bodies of the two children have been kept at Nalhar Medical College for postmortem.
The father alleged that the car was driven by Naresh Kumar, a head constable with the Haryana Police, who was "under the influence of alcohol and driving a new vehicle". After hitting the children, the accused attempted to flee the scene. Villagers, however, chased his car for nearly 500 metre, forced him to stop, and caught hold of him.
Eyewitnesses said the accused initially denied responsibility and tried to use his police uniform and position to intimidate locals. The villagers then informed the police about the incident.
When the police arrived to take the accused into custody, villagers insisted that his medical examination be conducted in their presence to prevent any manipulation of the report. Suspecting an attempt to shield the accused, locals followed the police vehicle, recorded videos, and even blocked the road with motorcycles, demanding transparency.
Given the tension, additional police forces from nearby stations were deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
The Utawar SHO confirmed the arrest of the accused, identifying him as Narendra, a resident of Pahadi village in the jurisdiction of Bhiwan police station and currently posted as a reader at the DSP office in Nuh.
The police said on the basis of the family’s complaint, a case has been registered against the accused and he has been arrested. His vehicle has been impounded. Whether he was intoxicated at the time will be confirmed after the medical report.
- With inputs from agencies
