A town inspector (TI) in Madhya Pradesh’s Khategaon was killed after a truck driver ran him over when he stopped the vehicle for inspection in Dewas district on Sunday night, an officer said.
“Acting on a tip-off regarding smuggling of illicit liquor, Khategaon police led by TI Puri reached the highway. Nemawar police were also chasing the same truck. The police spotted the truck parked along the highway divider. TI Puri came out of his vehicle and asked the driver to step out. Police are trying to trace the absconding driver and identify the owners of the truck and the liquor it was carrying. Officials denied any link between the deaths and liquor consumption.
The incident took place around 1.30 am on the Indore-Betul highway. The incident comes days after villagers in Dewas alleged that 13 people had died within a month after consuming spurious liquor in Chandana village. However, 10 people were arrested last week for allegedly supplying illicit liquor in the area.
TI Dileep Puri was rushed to hospital, where doctors tried to revive him, but he succumbed to his injuries, Dewas superintendent of police Aditya Mishra said. The driver suddenly steered the truck onto the divider and tried to drive forward,” the officer said. Police said the vehicle has been seized and taken to Sandalpur police station. Chief minister Mohan Yadav offered condolences and said special director general Upendra Jain has been immediately dispatched to the scene for the investigation of the incident. “Instructions have been given for a fair investigation and strict action in the matter,” he said.
The CM also announced to provide compassionate appointment to the wife of Puri on the post of SI and financial assistance of ₹ 1 crore to the family.
