Early morning on 10th February 2012 in Bangalore, a speeding Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on Kamaraj Road ran over a 50-year-old labourer sleeping right in front of a small shop. The labourer, Selvaraj, lost his right leg when the car ran over him. The man on the driver’s seat was identified as Abdul Haq, owner of Hotel Empire; it was ascertained by the police that he was not drunk when the accident occurred.
Selvaraj belongs to Tamil Nadu and came to Bangalore about three weeks ago to work as a construction labourer. The unfortunate incident happened at 3:30 am on Friday, close to the Solapuri Amman Temple on the Kamaraj Road, within the Shivajinagar traffic police limits.
According to the police, Haq was driving from MG Road towards Kamaraj Road in his SUV. When Haq reached Nala Road Junction, he lost control of his SUV and deviated towards a shop close to the temple. The car then crashed into the shop belonging to Mahalakshmi. Selvaraj happened to be sleeping in front of the shop when the accident occurred. Haq, however, was only slightly hurt as he was saved by the car’s airbags.
Abdul Haq, with the help of a few people, took Selvaraj to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, situated in the vicinity of the accident site. Selvaraj was later shifted to Hosmat Hospital after receiving first-aid. His leg was hurt badly and had to be amputated.
Selvaraj’s employer registered a complaint with the police on his behalf, since he was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As per the police, Haq consented to pay the medical expenses of Selvaraj. He also agreed to cooperate with the police in the investigation. Hence, because of this reason the police did not arrest him.
The police said that Haq was not drunk while he was driving his SUV. Haq had to undergo Alcometer test and a check-up at the hospital to prove that he was not under the influence. Haq’s blood sample was also sent to the forensic science lab by the police for further investigation. The police have registered him under Section 279 and Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
