New Delhi: Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani is in a spot over claims and counter claims in connection with the accident that took place on Saturday night at Yamuna Expressway.
Here are all the details about how the accident took place and what happened afterwards:-
Saturday night (5th March, 2016)
- Smriti Irani was returning from Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan after attending a convention organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM)
- The pilot vehicle in Irani's cavalcade rammed into another vehicle, which had met with an accident on the Yamuna Expressway. Her car then rammed into the pilot vehicle after failing to control its speed.
- A man, who was riding a motorcycle, was killed in the chain of collisions which had led to a huge pile up of vechiles on the highway.
- She escaped with minor injuries but was not hospitalised
- According to SSP Rakesh Singh, a motorcycle-borne man was killed during the collision and the victim has been identified as Ramesh Nagar, a doctor from Agra, who died on the spot. - The couple in the car where also injured and have been sent to hospital, the SSP said.
- Smriti Irani tweeted on what happened (12:20 AM - Sunday)
For all enquiring re my accident- I'm fine. Thank you for the concern and wishes.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016
There was a pile up of vehicles due to an accident on the expressway. Unfortunately the police vehicle before mine & my car also crashed.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016
Tried to help the injured who were lying on the road for quiet sometime and ensured they reach a hospital. Pray for their safety.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016
Good Samaritan Manoj Chopra and his wife also helped injured citizens. God bless them for their empathy and kindness.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016
Monday (7th March, 2016)
Claims by victim's family
- The children of the doctor killed in the accident on the Yamuna Expressway contradicted the Smriti Irani's claim that she had tried to help the injured and ensure they reached hospital.
Clarification by Smriti Irani's office
- The minister's office said in a statement that a vehicle mentioned in the media reports of having hit the motorcycle had nothing to do with Smriti Irani's cavalcade. The HRD Ministry said the car, which allegedly hit the biker who later died, has nothing to do with minister's cavalcade.
Also, she had directed SSP, Mathura, to arrange ambulance immediately so that injured could be given medical treatment at the earliest, the HRD ministry clarified.
Claims by victim's daughter
However, Sandali (victim's daughter) alleged that they were on a motor cycle which was hit by a vehicle from behind and that belonged to Irani.
Clarification by HRD ministry
"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," Sandali alleged.
"It is clarified that private vehicle Honda City DL 3C BA 5315, which allegedly hit the biker, who later on died has nothing to do with HRD Minister's cavalcade as being run in section of media," said the HRD Ministry spokesperson.
An FIR has also been registered in connection with the accident.
