A sub-inspector lost his life and four other police personnel were injured after a police SUV crashed into a tree early Tuesday morning in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district. According to officials, the accident occurred around 6:30 am near the Katarari area under the Shyamdeurwa police station limits while a team from Gorakhpur was returning from a raid.

Circle Officer (Cantt) Yogendra Singh said preliminary findings suggest that the driver may have dozed off while driving on the highway. The vehicle reportedly first mounted the road divider before veering off and ramming into a tree. The impact severely damaged the front portion of the Scorpio SUV.

The police team included Senior Sub-Inspector Ramesh Chandra Kushwaha, Sub-Inspectors Santosh Kumar and Geeta, two constables and a private driver. Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after the crash and helped pull the injured officers out of the mangled vehicle before informing authorities.

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All injured personnel were initially taken to a nearby health centre and later referred to BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur for advanced treatment. Sub-Inspector Santosh Kumar succumbed to his injuries during treatment, police confirmed. Senior Sub-Inspector Kushwaha and Sub-Inspector Geeta are reported to be in critical condition, while the driver is said to be out of danger. Two other policemen sustained minor injuries.

Santosh Kumar, who was posted at the Ramgarhtal police station in Gorakhpur, hailed from Sahsarawan village in Bihar’s Siwan district. Upon receiving news of the tragic incident, his family members left for Gorakhpur. Authorities stated that further investigation into the accident is underway, and departmental procedures are being followed.

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