A man dies after being run over in Zirakpur following a heated argument among friends near Old Kalka Road. The tragic incident occurred when a drunken brawl turned deadly, leaving one person dead and a community shocked. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into what they initially believe was a vehicular accident.

Harpreet Singh, a resident of Preet Colony in Zirakpur, died after his friend Sahil allegedly hit him with a car. The incident took place near the old bus stand on Old Kalka Road, a busy area in this rapidly developing suburb of Chandigarh. Therefore, the accident has raised serious concerns about road safety and the dangers of drinking and driving.

According to police reports, Harpreet and his brother Anil had gone to a liquor vend where their friend Sahil joined them. The three friends started drinking together, but the gathering soon turned sour. Subsequently, an argument broke out among them, though the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear. Police are investigating what triggered the confrontation that led to such a tragic outcome.

After the argument intensified, Harpreet and his brother Anil decided to leave the liquor vend on foot. However, Sahil followed them in his car, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The situation escalated dramatically when they reached near the old bus stand. Witnesses reported that Sahil’s car struck Harpreet with considerable force.

Passersby immediately rushed to help the injured man. They quickly took Harpreet to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Nevertheless, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The victim’s family has demanded a thorough investigation, suspecting foul play rather than a simple accident.

Zirakpur Station House Officer (SHO) Satinder Singh confirmed that police have registered an accident case. Additionally, investigators have filed charges against Sahil under Sections 281 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These legal provisions deal with dangerous driving and causing death by negligence.

The police stated that their initial investigation suggests the incident was an accident. However, they are continuing to probe the matter from all angles. Furthermore, investigating officer Jaswant Singh and his team are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops and establishments to understand the complete sequence of events.

The victim’s family strongly believes this was not a simple accident. They have pointed out the suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. Moreover, they want authorities to investigate whether Sahil intentionally ran over Harpreet following their argument. The family seeks justice and wants the truth to come out during the investigation.

Zirakpur has experienced rapid urbanization in recent years. The suburb now houses an estimated population of more than 100,000 residents. Consequently, the area has seen increased commercial activity, including numerous liquor vends, bars, and nightlife establishments. This growth has brought prosperity but also new challenges related to public safety.

The incident highlights growing concerns about alcohol-related accidents in the region. Statistics show that drunk driving contributes to a significant percentage of road accidents in Punjab. Therefore, traffic police regularly conduct awareness campaigns about the dangers of mixing alcohol with driving. Despite these efforts, incidents like this continue to occur.

Harpreet’s background has also emerged during the investigation. He had recently been released from jail after serving time for his involvement in vandalizing a hotel in Zirakpur. In July 2024, he was arrested along with others for their participation in hotel vandalism linked to extortion attempts. This criminal history has added another layer of complexity to the case.

The hotel vandalism case was part of a larger pattern of extortion and gang-related activities in Zirakpur. Several groups have been involved in demanding protection money from local businesses. Consequently, multiple arrests have been made over the past year as authorities crack down on organized crime in the area.

Local residents have expressed shock and concern following this incident. Many people knew both Harpreet and Sahil from the neighborhood. Additionally, community members are calling for stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws and better safety measures at liquor vends. They believe that establishments selling alcohol should take more responsibility for preventing customers from driving while intoxicated.

The Zirakpur police are continuing their search for Sahil, who fled the scene immediately after the incident. Meanwhile, authorities have issued alerts to nearby police stations and have set up checkpoints to locate the accused. They are also questioning other friends who may have information about what happened that night.

Traffic experts emphasize that responsible behavior regarding alcohol consumption is essential for preventing such tragedies. Furthermore, they recommend that friends designate a sober driver before starting to drink. Ride-sharing services and taxi options are readily available in Zirakpur, making it unnecessary to drive after consuming alcohol.

This case also raises questions about the role of liquor vendors in ensuring customer safety. Some community activists argue that vendors should take partial responsibility when they allow customers to leave intoxicated and then drive. However, others argue that personal responsibility remains the primary factor in preventing drunk driving incidents.

The Punjab government has implemented several measures to reduce alcohol-related accidents. These include stricter penalties for drunk driving, mandatory breath analyzer tests at checkpoints, and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. Nevertheless, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in rapidly growing areas like Zirakpur, where infrastructure struggles to keep pace with population growth.

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a friendly gathering can turn into a tragedy. The man dies after being run over in Zirakpur case underscores the importance of making responsible choices, especially when alcohol is involved. As authorities investigate whether the incident was an accident or something more deliberate, the community mourns the loss of a life and calls for justice. People also recognize that they must stay vigilant, push for stronger enforcement, and take personal responsibility if they want to prevent tragedies like this in the future.

Daily News