Thar Seized, Manhunt Launched for Absconding Driver

SRINAGAR: Police in Jammu on Monday seized a Mahindra Thar involved in an attempt to murder incident in the Gandhi Nagar area, while launching a large-scale manhunt to apprehend the absconding driver.

According to officials, the incident captured on CCTV has sparked serious concerns over public safety and reckless driving. The footage reportedly shows the vehicle deliberately striking an elderly pedestrian before fleeing the scene.

Superintendent of Police (SP) South Jammu, Ajay Sharma, said that a Mahindra Thar bearing registration number JK02DP-9594, allegedly hit an elderly man in Gandhi Nagar in a targeted manner. “As per the video evidence, the driver intentionally rammed the pedestrian, causing severe injuries, and then fled. This clearly indicates criminal intent,” he stated.

The accused driver, identified as Manan Anand, is currently on the run. A case of attempt to murder has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Gandhi Nagar Police Station.

The victim was immediately rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Jammu, where he remains in critical condition due to a serious head injury.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the act was deliberate, prompting authorities to treat the case with utmost urgency.

Speaking to the press outside Gandhi Nagar Police Station, SP Ajay Sharma stressed the gravity of the crime. “This was a heinous act of violence against a defenseless elderly citizen. The driver not only endangered a life but showed blatant disregard for the law by fleeing. We are using every available resource including CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to track down the accused. Jammu Police will not rest until justice is served,” he said.

Meanwhile, local MLA from Bahu, Vikram Randhawa, visited GMC Jammu to check on the condition of the victim. He strongly condemned the attack and called for swift action. “This is a shameful and violent act. I urge the police to arrest the culprit at the earliest and ensure strict legal action is taken,” Randhawa further added. (KNO)