In a horrific late-night incident that has shocked Jaipur, a speeding Audi car ploughed into roadside food stalls at Kharbas Circle in Mansarovar on Friday night, resulting in one fatality and leaving 15 others injured. The police have since detained four individuals, including a doctor and a police constable, for their alleged roles in the aftermath of the crash.
Doctor and Constable Detained for Aiding Escape
Police officials on Saturday confirmed the detention of four persons connected to the tragic event. Sumit Choudhar and Dr. Ashok Meena were held on allegations of helping the primary accused, Dinesh Ranwa (32), flee from the scene after the accident. The other two detainees were identified as Mukesh Jat, a constable posted in the city police reserve line, and Papu Lal (28). Both were passengers in the ill-fated Audi at the time of the collision.
Authorities stated that there were four people in the car during the incident. The driver was Dinesh Ranwa, who operates a solar business, hails from Churu, and resides near Patrakar Colony in Jaipur. The fourth occupant was Mangilal. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mansarovar) Sanjay Kakde informed that a search operation is underway to apprehend Ranwa, who remains at large.
Reckless Drive After Drinking Party Leads to Disaster
Investigations point towards drunk driving and excessive speed as the primary causes. Police suspect Ranwa was under the influence of alcohol and was driving at a reckless speed. The Audi involved was reportedly purchased second-hand just days before the catastrophe.
The sequence of events leading to the crash began earlier in the evening. Ranwa was allegedly at a drinking party with friends near C-Scheme. Around 8 PM, he brought his friends to his home in Patrakar Colony, intending to take them for a ride in his new Audi. By approximately 9:15 PM, he took the car out again.
Ranwa and Mangilal occupied the front seats, while Mukesh Jat and Papu Lal sat in the rear. In a bid to show off the vehicle's acceleration, Ranwa reportedly "floored the accelerator" while speeding down Vande Mataram Road. Papu Lal, seated at the back, noticed a crowd ahead and shouted at Ranwa to stop, but his warnings went unheeded.
Chaos at Kharbas Circle: Car Rams into Food Stalls
Ranwa then told his companions they would go for dinner and drove towards Kharbas Circle around 9:18 PM. It is noted that both Ranwa and Mangilal in the front were wearing seat belts.
Tragedy struck at about 9:21 PM. The speeding Audi first smashed into the divider at the Kharbas intersection. This impact caused Ranwa to lose control, and the vehicle veered violently into the crowd of people eating at the roadside food stalls.
In the immediate aftermath, an enraged crowd attempted to set the Audi on fire and assaulted its occupants before they could escape. A police team from the nearby Muhana police station, led by Station House Officer Gur Bhupendra Singh, witnessed the crash and rushed to the scene. Police revealed that Ranwa fled the spot after the crash in another vehicle, which has since been seized.
The incident has raised serious questions about road safety, drunk driving, and the alleged involvement of individuals in positions of trust in aiding a fugitive. The Jaipur police continue their investigation and manhunt for the main accused, Dinesh Ranwa.
