Police van rams Delhi tea stall, kills man

In a tragic incident early Thursday morning, a 55-year-old physically challenged tea seller lost his life after a police patrolling van struck his roadside stall in central Delhi’s Mandir Marg area. The victim was asleep when the van, allegedly moving at high speed, ran over him. The driver has been arrested, and the Assistant Sub-Inspector of the police has been suspended pending further investigation.

Locals alleged that the police personnel involved appeared intoxicated, claiming they saw alcohol bottles in the van. Police, however, stated that medical tests found no traces of alcohol in the officers. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: when residents tried to intervene, they claim the police personnel pointed a pistol at one of them and discarded a mobile phone recording the incident.

The driver of the van reportedly told authorities that he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. While this explanation is under scrutiny, the incident raises serious questions about road safety, accountability, and police conduct in public spaces.

This tragedy also highlights the vulnerability of street vendors, who often operate in close proximity to traffic and have little protection. Tea sellers like the victim often start work before dawn, rely on daily earnings, and live modestly, making them particularly susceptible to such accidents. Gangaram Tiwari is survived by his wife and six children, some of whom live outside Delhi, leaving the family devastated both emotionally and financially.

Analysts note that incidents involving police vehicles can erode public trust, especially when there are conflicting accounts of alcohol use or negligence. The case underlines the importance of stricter checks, accountability mechanisms for police personnel, and improved safety measures for street vendors operating in high-traffic areas.