Early morning collision in Sanganer kills local dairy operator; Thar driver absconds
JAIPUR — A 57-year-old dairy operator died after his scooter was allegedly struck from behind by a speeding Mahindra Thar in Sanganer, police said on Monday. The victim was identified as Naval Sharma, a resident of Buddhsinghpura in the Sanganer area.
Police said Sharma left home at about 6 am on Saturday to go to his dairy when the collision occurred. Passersby who reached the scene alerted the authorities and Sharma was taken to hospital for treatment, but he succumbed while undergoing care, officials said. The body was handed over to the family on Sunday afternoon after a post-mortem at SMS Hospital.
Investigating officers said CCTV footage obtained on Monday appears to show the Thar approaching at speed and colliding with the moving scooter, knocking the rider to the road. The SUV fled the spot immediately after the impact and an inquest report has been registered at Sanganer police station, authorities added.
"An accident has been reported in the Sanganer police station area... 57-year-old Naval Sharma has died in this incident," DCP East Ranjeeta Sharma said, according to official communication.
Local residents described an early morning routine shattered by the crash, highlighting broader concerns about reckless driving and the consequences of high-speed collisions on arterial and neighbourhood roads. The case also drew attention because the driver reportedly left the scene, prompting police to launch efforts to trace the vehicle and person responsible.
- Victim: Naval Sharma, 57, dairy operator, resident of Buddhsinghpura, Sanganer.
- When: About 6 am on Saturday; CCTV footage surfaced Monday.
- Vehicle involved: Mahindra Thar (black, as shown in footage); driver fled the scene.
- Post-incident action: Inquest registered; post-mortem at SMS Hospital; body released to family Sunday afternoon.
Context and public safety concerns
The Sanganer incident comes amid other recent reports across northern India involving Thar vehicles in severe collisions. Police agencies and road-safety advocates have repeatedly urged stricter adherence to speed limits and prompt reporting when collisions occur. In this case, the availability of CCTV footage has provided investigators with visual evidence to aid tracing of the vehicle and driver.
Investigators have so far limited statements to details of the collision and subsequent hospitalisation and death. The registering of an inquest is the formal first step in establishing cause and culpability under the law; further action, including potential criminal charges related to negligent driving and hit-and-run, will depend on the results of the probe and forensic examination of the footage and vehicle, officers said.
Timeline
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| ~6 am, Saturday | Sharma leaves home on scooter to go to his dairy; collision occurs. |
| Saturday morning | Passersby alert police; Sharma taken to hospital for treatment. |
| Sunday afternoon | Post-mortem at SMS Hospital; body released to family. |
| Monday | CCTV footage surfaces; inquest registered; police continue investigation. |
Authorities have appealed for anyone with information or additional footage to come forward to assist the investigation. Meanwhile, relatives and neighbours in Buddhsinghpura mourned the loss of a man who had been carrying out daily work in one of the city's traditional livelihoods — dairy supply — underscoring the human cost of traffic violence in an urban landscape where narrow lanes and high-speed vehicles often coexist.
Police said they will continue forensic analysis of the CCTV and canvass the area for witnesses and additional camera coverage to identify the Thar and its driver. Procedural steps, including the inquest and legal proceedings, will follow the findings of the investigation.
