Medical student held in Doctor’s death in hit and run, police say father tried to shield him

A 21-year-old medical student from Haryana has been detained in connection with the death of a senior resident doctor and an OT technician in a road accident in Najafgarh nearly ten days ago.

Mayank, the accused, was allegedly driving his father’s Mahindra KUV at the time of the incident. He is a second-year student at the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Hisar, according to police.

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan (41), a senior resident doctor at a government hospital, and Manish Kumar (39) were riding their bikes when they were hit by a vehicle on February 20.

Kumar informed police before he died that he was riding his bike with a friend and they were on their way to the Metro station when the accused hit them and fled.

Dr. Ranjan’s wife, Dr. Rashmi, and their three-year-old child survive him. Kumar leaves behind his wife and two children.

During the initial investigation, authorities searched the area’s CCTV cameras but were unable to locate the offending vehicle.

“It took some time for us to map the CCTVs and figure out the car number.” We discovered that the vehicle was registered in the name of a company. The car, according to the firm’s director, was driven by Surender, one of his employees. Surender was interviewed, and he tried to mislead us by blaming a colleague. He kept changing his remarks, and his version was riddled with inconsistencies.

“We questioned him again, and it was revealed that Surender’s son Mayank was the purported driver,” one officer added.

Mayank was apprehended at his home, and the automobile was impounded. They stated that they intend to pursue legal action against Surender for allegedly lying to the cops.

“We’re questioning Mayank,” the officer explained.

Kumar’s brother Harish stated that his brother was a contract employee and the family’s primary source of income. He demanded that his wife and children be compensated and that he be given justice.

Dr. Rashmi had previously told The Indian Express that her husband, Dr. Ranjan, was actively involved in the pandemic’s treatment of patients.

“He was so helpful. He worked during Covid and treated so many patients who are asking after him now,” she said.