Absconding Thar Driver Arrested After Hit-and-Run Incident in Jammu

Published On: July 31, 2025

Police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the absconding Thar driver involved in a hit-and-run case that left a 68-year-old man critically injured in Jammu city a few days ago.

According to a police spokesperson, the accused has been identified as Mannan Anand, son of Rajinder Anand, resident of House No. 62, Sector 4, Nanak Nagar, Jammu. He was apprehended by Police Station Gandhi Nagar in connection with FIR No. 163/2025, registered under Sections 281, 125(A), and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The incident took place on July 27, when a video surfaced on social media showing the Thar being driven recklessly from Gandhi Nagar towards Greenbelt Park. In the CCTV footage, the Thar is seen first colliding head-on with a scooter, knocking the elderly rider to the ground. Shockingly, the driver is then seen deliberately reversing the vehicle, striking the victim a second time and causing severe head injuries.

The victim, Kamalkant Dutta, remains in a critical condition. Speaking to reporters at Government Medical College, Jammu, his daughter urged the accused to surrender and face the law. “His condition is very critical. There are blood clots in his brain. That’s why we are shifting him to Chandigarh for advanced treatment,” a family member said.

In response to the viral footage and public outrage, Traffic Police City Jammu has initiated a special drive targeting illegally modified vehicles, especially SUVs, which are often seen violating traffic norms.

SSP Traffic, Farooq Qaiser, stated,

“Twelve vehicles, including 11 Thars and one Endeavour, have been seized under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.”

He added that this crackdown is a stern warning against illegal modifications that violate the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC) terms.

“We urge citizens to refrain from modifying their vehicles to avoid legal action and ensure compliance with traffic laws,” he said.

The police continue to investigate the case, and strict action is expected against those who endanger public safety through reckless driving and illegal vehicle modifications.