A tragic incident marred Independence Day celebrations in Jaipur as a 64-year-old retired Army officer, Captain Narsaram Jajra, lost his life after being mowed down by an SUV while cycling on the Gandhi Path stretch.
According to police, the accident occurred on the morning of August 15 when an SUV driven by a woman, later identified as Surbhi Maheswari, hit Captain Jajra and fled the spot. The chilling act was caught on CCTV, which showed the vehicle running over the officer, who was wearing a white T-shirt, before speeding away.
Passersby and locals rushed to help. His son, who was on a walk nearby, reached the spot and, with the assistance of residents, took him to SMS Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the Accident Police Station. The SUV was seized and the driver’s licence cancelled. However, the accused was granted bail shortly after her arrest, sparking outrage among locals.
“Further investigation is underway. The SUV and its driver were identified through CCTV footage, and necessary action has been initiated,” said Constable Kishan Puri.
The incident has triggered protests by residents in the Gandhi Path area, who alleged that the stretch has become a hotspot for overspeeding vehicles. Many senior citizens often go for morning walks and cycling here, they pointed out.
“We demand strict patrolling and installation of speed-breakers to prevent such tragedies in the future,” said one of the protestors.
The death of Captain Jajra, who had served the nation with distinction, has left the community in grief and raised fresh concerns about road safety and rash driving in Jaipur.
