A 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with a car accident two weeks ago that left five women injured, two of whom critical and in the intensive care unit (ICU), a police officer said on Tuesday.
The driver has been identified as Chanakya Sankla, a resident of Saket. He fled from the spot despite a damaged tyre and drove for over 10 kilometres on the rim to evade arrest.
Among the critically injured is Priya Balotia, a 39-year-old physiotherapist from Shalimar Bagh. She was among the five women occupants in the car that was hit by another car in the early hours of November 23, when they were on their way for Radha Soami satsang in Chhatarpur.
Vijay Mahto, the driver of the car carrying the female passengers, said that the impact of the crash was so intense that the women flew out of the car and fell on the road, and the car was completely mangled.
“The driver waited for a few minutes but fled after seeing that the women in critical condition,” Mr. Mahto told The Hindu.
The victims, which included three senior citizens, were rushed to Safdarjung Hospital. “Doctors have said the chances of her survival are minimal,” said Rahul, Ms. Balotia’s relative.
Sunita, 54, was shifted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and is in the ICU with multiple fractures. Other victims – Kanchan, 61, Dropti, 63, and Reena Rani, 62 – have been discharged.
A case was registered at R.K. Puram police station under Section 281 (rash or negligent driving) and 125 (a) (endangering human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
“Around 600 CCTV cameras were checked to narrow down on the car with a broken headlight and damaged tyre, which led to the suspect’s arrest,” said Amit Goel, DCP (South West).
Published – December 10, 2025 12:54 am IST
