Police Control Room Van Crashes Into Tea Stall In Delhi, Shop Owner Killed
A tea seller dies after a police vehicle rams his stall in the Mandir Marg area.
A 55-year-old tea vendor was killed early Thursday morning when a Delhi Police PCR (Police Control Room) van rammed into his roadside stall in the Thana Mandir Marg area of central Delhi, authorities confirmed. The incident, captured on CCTV footage circulating online, has sparked outrage and questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred near the bustling RK Ashram Marg metro station.
Gangaram, the victim, was asleep inside his modest tea shop—a common practice for vendors in the area—around 5 a.m. when the patrolling van suddenly accelerated, mounted a roadside ramp, and collided with the stall, crushing him fatally on the spot.
Police initially described it as an unfortunate accident, with the driver reportedly mistaking the accelerator for the brake. Gangaram's son resides with him in Delhi, while his wife lives in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, adding to the family's grief in this breadwinner's untimely death.
In response, two police personnel in the van—a constable from the PCR New Delhi Circle and his colleague—were immediately detained for medical examination, including checks for intoxication, as alleged by a relative of the victim. Additional DCP Hukma Ram assured full cooperation, stating that compensation would be provided to the family and CCTV footage is under review. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a formal investigation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for rash and negligent acts causing death is underway.
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This tragedy highlights the vulnerabilities of informal roadside workers in densely populated urban zones like central Delhi, where narrow margins and high traffic amplify risks. Similar mishaps involving emergency vehicles have prompted calls for stricter training protocols and vehicle safety audits within the force. As the probe deepens, community leaders in the Paharganj vicinity—known for its mix of budget hotels and street commerce—have demanded swift justice to prevent future lapses.
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