Tragedy struck Haryana’s Palwal district on Tuesday when a drunk-driving incident involving a police head constable claimed the lives of two schoolchildren and left another critically injured. The victims, aged five, seven, and nine, were on their way home from Gariba Public School when a speeding car rammed into them. The impact killed the younger two instantly, while the nine-year-old was rushed to PGI Rohtak in a critical state.
The driver was identified as Narendra, a Haryana Police head constable posted as a reader at the Nuh DSP office. Eyewitnesses and villagers alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Instead of stopping, Narendra reportedly attempted to flee. However, villagers chased him down nearly 500 metres from the accident site and overpowered him before handing him over to police.
The victims’ father, Shahbuddin, accused the constable of arrogance and misuse of his position. “He didn’t stop after killing my children. He even argued with villagers, refusing to admit what he had done,” Shahbuddin said, demanding strict action.
The incident sparked outrage in the area, with villagers staging protests. Many followed the police vehicle carrying the accused and insisted that Narendra’s medical examination be conducted transparently in their presence to rule out any manipulation. In a show of anger, some locals blocked the road with motorcycles, compelling police to involve the victim’s family in the process.
A senior police official confirmed Narendra’s arrest, adding that his vehicle has been seized. “Whether he was drunk will be confirmed after the medical report. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased are being carried out in Nuh,” the official stated.
Given the rising tensions, additional police forces have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order. The shocking incident has ignited strong resentment against law enforcement, with locals demanding exemplary punishment for the accused officer to restore faith in justice.
