Ludhiana BMW Hit-and-Run Tragedy Sparks Family Protest Over Police Handling
Ludhiana: A tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 24-year-old gardener has escalated into a public protest, with family members alleging police negligence in handling the investigation. The controversy centers on the delayed seizure of the luxury vehicle involved in the fatal accident.
Family Outrage Over BMW's Location
On Wednesday morning, relatives of Laal ji Morya staged a protest after discovering the accused's BMW car parked near a filling station rather than being impounded at a police station. The distraught family members accused authorities of deliberately failing to confiscate the vehicle and attempting to shield the factory owner accused in the case.
"We believe the police are trying to help the accused by not properly securing evidence," alleged one family member during the protest. "How can a vehicle involved in a fatal accident be left unattended at a petrol pump?"
Police Explanation: Logistical Challenges
Police officials have firmly rejected the allegations, citing significant logistical difficulties in moving the damaged luxury vehicle. Investigating officer ASI Jatinder Singh of Sadar police station provided a detailed account of the challenges faced.
"We struggled extensively to lift the car following the accident," explained ASI Singh. "The vehicle's tires were locked, making immediate removal impossible. Additionally, we could not arrange for a crane on Tuesday night due to the late hour."
According to police records, authorities finally managed to secure a crane by Wednesday afternoon, approximately 16 hours after the fatal collision. The vehicle was subsequently transported to a nearby filling station, where it was temporarily parked on the roadside while arrangements were made for proper storage.
ASI Singh emphasized: "The family suspects something else, but we have already registered a case and arrested the accused. The delay was purely logistical, not intentional."
The Fatal Accident: Timeline of Events
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday around 11:30 PM near Phullanwal chowk. Laal ji Morya, a resident of Anand Vihar in Phullanwal who worked as a gardener, was returning home on his motorcycle after completing his daily work.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by his brother Amit Kumar Morya, a speeding BMW car traveling from Dugri toward B7 chowk struck Morya's motorcycle at the Phullanwal crossing. Eyewitnesses reported that the luxury vehicle dragged the biker for several meters before finally stopping when bystanders raised alarms.
The critically injured victim was rushed to Ludhiana Civil Hospital via ambulance. Police confirmed that the accused, identified as factory owner Rupinder Kumar from SBS Nagar on Pakhowal Road, initially accompanied Morya to the medical facility.
Accused Flees Hospital After Victim's Death
In a disturbing development, authorities revealed that the accused fled the hospital after doctors declared Morya dead. Police subsequently traced and arrested Rupinder Kumar, who reportedly told investigators he was returning home from a party at a resort near Dehlon on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla Road.
Police have registered a case against the accused under charges of causing death by negligence. The investigation continues as authorities examine all aspects of the incident, including the accused's blood alcohol levels at the time of the accident.
Key Developments in the Case
- 24-year-old gardener Laal ji Morya killed near Phullanwal chowk around 11:30 PM Tuesday
- BMW with registration PB-10-HX-0011 allegedly struck motorcycle and dragged victim
- FIR filed against factory owner Rupinder Kumar based on brother's complaint
- Accused accompanied victim to hospital but fled when death was declared
- Family protest triggered after finding BMW near filling station instead of police custody
- Police cite crane unavailability and locked tires as reasons for delayed vehicle removal
- Case registered for causing death by negligence; accused currently in custody
The incident has raised serious questions about police procedures in hit-and-run cases involving influential individuals. Community members have called for transparent investigation and proper handling of evidence to ensure justice for the victim's family.
