In a chilling case of reckless driving under the influence, a man behind the wheel of a high-speed Audi SUV mowed down five individuals sleeping on a footpath in South Delhi’s posh Vasant Vihar neighborhood. The incident occurred during the early hours of July 9, sending shockwaves across the city and raising serious concerns about late-night road safety and drunk driving in Delhi-NCR.
The 40-year-old accused, identified as Shekhar, attempted to flee the scene after the crash but met with another accident when his vehicle collided with a truck on the same stretch. He was arrested on the spot by Delhi Police. A medical test later confirmed alcohol in his bloodstream, and police have booked him under multiple sections related to negligent and drunk driving.
What Happened That Night: Timeline of the Incident
According to police sources and eyewitness statements, the horrifying event took place around 1:45 AM between the night of July 8 and 9.
Five individuals, including a child and two women, were asleep on a footpath in the Munirka Marg area of Vasant Vihar, a locality known for its embassies, upscale residences, and relatively quiet streets during night hours.
A white Audi Q7, speeding through the dimly lit road, swerved off the lane and plowed straight into the sleeping group.
“We were asleep when suddenly a car ran over us. My wife sustained serious injuries—her ribs are fractured, and her ear was bleeding,” said Ramchandar, one of the injured victims.
Victims Identified: Migrant Workers from Rajasthan
The five injured include:
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Ramchandar (45)
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Narayani, his wife (35)
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Ladhi (40)
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Bimla, Ladhi’s 8-year-old daughter
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Sabami alias Chirma (45), Bimla’s father
All victims are reportedly daily wage laborers hailing from Rajasthan, residing temporarily in Delhi for construction and housekeeping jobs. They were sleeping outdoors, as is common among many migrant families during summer nights in Delhi.
After the crash, a passerby handed over the vehicle number on a piece of paper to one of the survivors, helping the police later confirm the vehicle involved.
Flee Attempt Foiled: Drunk Driver Crashes into Truck
In an apparent effort to flee the crime scene, Shekhar continued driving at high speed. However, his Audi collided with a stationary truck nearby, leading to heavy front-end damage to his vehicle. This secondary accident tipped off authorities about his whereabouts.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest District) Amit Goel confirmed that the Audi driver was caught at the site of the second crash. A breathalyzer and medical test confirmed alcohol consumption at levels beyond permissible legal limits.
Shekhar was immediately taken into custody, and the damaged vehicle was impounded for forensic and mechanical evaluation.
Legal Action and Investigation Underway
Delhi Police have booked the accused under the following sections:
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IPC Section 279 – Rash driving or riding on a public way
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IPC Section 337 – Causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others
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IPC Section 338 – Causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others
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MV Act Sections related to drunk driving
Authorities are also investigating whether the driver had a prior record of driving violations, and whether he holds a valid driving license.
Public Outrage and Renewed Focus on Footpath Safety
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of homeless and underprivileged communities in India’s urban spaces. With temperatures rising in Delhi, many poor families sleep outdoors, especially on footpaths or roadside areas.
Despite Supreme Court guidelines emphasizing pedestrian safety and rehabilitation for street dwellers, municipal and policing bodies have been criticized for failing to implement measures that prevent such tragedies.
This incident is particularly shocking because it occurred in an elite neighborhood with CCTV coverage and regular patrolling—raising questions about enforcement of late-night road safety norms.
Victim Speaks: “We Want Justice”
In a statement to the media, survivor Ramchandar described the terrifying moment:
“It was dark, and we were fast asleep. The sound of the car woke us just a second before it hit. I heard my wife scream. Blood was everywhere. I thought we would all die.”
He demanded strict legal action and proper medical support for all injured. Local NGOs have stepped in to help the victims with hospital costs, though a formal compensation announcement is still pending.
Delhi Police Response and Political Reactions
DCP Amit Goel assured the press that “a full and fair investigation is underway”, and the accused will be presented before the court as per due legal procedure.
While no official political statement had been issued at the time of this report, civil society groups and urban safety activists have begun demanding:
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Stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws
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Permanent shelters for migrant families
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Night-time road barriers and reflectors in residential zones
Similar Past Incidents in Delhi
Unfortunately, this is not the first such case in Delhi where a speeding luxury car has endangered lives. Over the past decade, several high-profile hit-and-run or drunk-driving cases have involved posh vehicles and powerful individuals, often raising concerns about loopholes in law enforcement and delayed justice.
In 2016, a similar tragedy occurred in Connaught Place, where a homeless man was killed by a BMW driven by a teenager. Many such cases see delayed trials and mild sentencing—leaving victims’ families without closure.
The Vasant Vihar drunk driving case is not just about one irresponsible driver—it reflects a systemic failure to ensure road safety, accountability, and protection for the city’s most vulnerable. As Delhi continues to grow as a global metropolis, its social and legal systems must evolve to ensure that the poor are not collateral damage to privilege and negligence.
Lawmakers, city administrators, and the judiciary must act decisively—not just to punish the guilty but to prevent the next tragedy.
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