JALANDHAR — A devastating road accident on Leather Complex Road near MS Farm claimed the lives of a woman and a ten-year-old girl after a speeding car slammed into their e-rickshaw. The deceased have been identified as 52-year-old Sheetal Sharma and 10-year-old Mahi, both residents of Paras Estate. The incident, which occurred while the family was returning from a routine grocery trip, has sparked intense anger and grief among local residents and the victim’s family.
Saurabh, the e-rickshaw driver and son of the deceased woman, recounted the harrowing moments of the crash. He stated that he had taken his mother and daughter to Babu Jagjivan Ram Chowk to purchase vegetables. As they were travelling back, a high-speed vehicle struck them from behind with significant force, causing the e-rickshaw to overturn and leaving all three occupants with critical injuries. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, both Sheetal and Mahi succumbed to their injuries.
Following the tragedy, the distraught family and several supporters gathered outside the Basti Bawa Khel police station to stage a protest. The grieving relatives alleged that the driver of the car was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and demanded immediate arrest and stringent legal action. The demonstration prompted senior police officials to intervene and provide assurances that a thorough and fair investigation would be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Atish confirmed that the police department has initiated an investigation and is currently recording formal statements from the surviving family members. He stated that the authorities are looking into all aspects of the crash, including the allegations of intoxication. The police have vowed to take appropriate legal steps once the preliminary findings are established, while the local community remains in shock over the sudden loss of two lives in such a violent manner.