NEW DELHI: HRD Minister Smriti Irani’s office on Monday refuted reports that a car in her convoy had hit a bike on an expressway while returning to Delhi and that she had left the victim to die. The accident, which took place Saturday night, triggered a controversy when the victim’s daughter, in an FIR, claimed Irani did not respond to pleas for help.
Agra-based doctor Ramesh Nagar was killed after he was hit for the second time by a car in the minister’s convoy, his children have alleged in the FIR. Nagar’s 15-year-old daughter Sandili was riding pillion along with her 12-year-old cousin, who was severely injured. Sandili told reporters that their motorcycle was hit by a vehicle from behind. “I did ask her for help but she completely refused to help us and said she could help us afterward also. Smriti Irani could have helped us. Had she helped us, probably our father would not have died,” she said. Reacting swiftly, Irani’s office said, “In sections of media, a news story is being run regarding the accident on Yamuna Expressway... that a vehicle with registration number (DL 3C BA 5315 — Honda City) has allegedly hit a biker. It is clarified that this vehicle has nothing to do with HRD Minister’s cavalcade.” It stated Irani, who escaped with minor injuries, had directed SSP Mathura to arrange an ambulance so the injured could receive treatment.
Rakesh Singh, SSP, Mathura, told Express, “The biker was hit from behind by a speeding Honda City car, thereafter a few vehicles coming from behind lost control and hit each other finally ramming into the Honda City. A few minutes later, the Union Minister’s convoy came from behind and the first escort vehicle rammed into the pile of vehicles. The Minister and others came out of their vehicle and called us informing about the incident.” He added Irani, after staying and extending help, left the spot.
Following the incident, Irani had tweeted, “For all enquiring re my accident-I’m fine. Thank you for the concern and wishes.” She had also tweeted that she had tried to help the injured who were lying on the road.