Two individuals were killed and eleven others sustained injuries when a speeding Mahindra Scorpio vehicle struck a group of laborers sleeping on a road divider in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, April 12, 2022, in front of the Maharajpur police station on National Highway 30 (NH-30).

The victims, predominantly women, were daily wage laborers resting on the divider at the time of the accident. Police identified the deceased as Sona Bai (45) and her sister Gudia (25). Eleven other laborers were injured, with several reported to be in critical condition, including a man and his two sons. All injured individuals were transported to the Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have arrested the driver of the vehicle, identified as Ankit Chouhan, who is reportedly the son of a local liquor contractor. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. The Mahindra Scorpio involved in the incident has been seized by the police.

Key details regarding the incident include:

  • Vehicle Involved: A Mahindra Scorpio.
  • Driver Arrested: Ankit Chouhan.
  • Victim Demographics: Mostly women, daily wage laborers.
  • Location: In front of Maharajpur police station, NH-30, Jabalpur.
  • Injuries: Eleven individuals, some critically.
  • Alleged Cause: Driver reportedly intoxicated.

Following the incident, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced financial compensation for the victims. The government stated that an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased. Critically injured individuals are to receive Rs 1 lakh, while those with minor injuries will be compensated with Rs 50,000.

Police have registered a case against the driver under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those pertaining to causing death by negligence and rash driving. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances leading to the fatal collision and to facilitate the legal process against the accused.