July 30, 2025: An elderly man injured in a shocking road rage incident in Jammu city on Sunday has suffered multiple serious injuries and remains unconscious in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while police have launched a manhunt for the accused driver.
The victim, identified as Kamal Dutta, a man in his sixties, was riding a two-wheeler when he was hit by a Mahindra Thar SUV, allegedly driven by Manan Anand (21), an engineering student at a local college. After hitting Dutta, Anand, according to witnesses, reversed the vehicle and hit him again as he tried to stand. Doctors at the Government Medical College, Jammu, where Dutta is being treated, confirmed that he has suffered severe trauma to the head and neck. He is unconscious but improving slightly in the intensive care unit. A senior doctor stated, "He is receiving oxygen support and is being closely monitored." The incident occurred in the Gandhi Nagar area of the city, but despite the gravity of the act and widespread public outrage, the accused remains untraceable as of Tuesday evening.
Rajinder Anand, the owner of the SUV that was involved in the incident, the accused's father, has been arrested by police. Authorities are questioning the family and following technical leads, such as phone and surveillance data, to locate Manan. Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of Police (South) Ajay Sharma said an FIR was registered promptly after the incident, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined. Although it appears that the driver was acting aggressively, an investigation into whether he was under the influence of drugs is ongoing. There is no indication of personal enmity; it appears to be a case of pure road rage,” Sharma said.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 281 (negligent driving) and 125(a) (endangering human life or the safety of others) were used by the police to initially register the case. However, the charges were increased to include Section 109 (attempt to murder) after nationwide virality of the attack's CCTV footage. The Thar vehicle has been seized, and a mechanical examination will be conducted as part of the investigation.