Lajpat Nagar Woman Killed, Husband Hurt as SUV Rams Pedestrians in South Delhi
A 71-year-old woman residing in Lajpat Nagar died and her husband sustained injuries after an SUV rammed into multiple vehicles and hit the pedestrian couple near the Kailash Colony metro station in Greater Kailash-1 on Sunday evening.
The incident took place at approximately 6:45 pm. The deceased has been identified as Shashi Bhateja, a retired employee of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Her husband, 65-year-old Kulbhushan Bhateja, is a retired bank manager.
The couple had gone to visit a dentist and were waiting by the road to board an autorickshaw back to their home in Lajpat Nagar. While they were waiting, the offending SUV struck another SUV, an autorickshaw, and a cycle rickshaw before ramming into the couple.
Both victims were rushed to Moolchand Hospital following the accident. Shashi Bhateja was declared dead on arrival by doctors, according to her brother, Pradeep Malhotra.
Kulbhushan Bhateja suffered a fracture and an eye injury in the collision. He received medical treatment and was later declared fit to provide a statement to investigators.
Police arrested the driver of the SUV, identified as 59-year-old Tapan Ahir, at the spot. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said Ahir, who has worked as a driver for a private employer since 1997, was on his way to pick up his brother from the Kailash Colony market when the crash happened.
Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure in the vehicle contributed to the crash. Ahir's blood sample has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for alcohol screening as the inquiry continues.
