In a horrifying case of reckless drunk driving, a speeding SUV driven by Congress' Jaipur district vice president Usman Khan mowed down several pedestrians and rammed into vehicles in the city's Nahargarh area, killing three people and leaving six others critically injured. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, triggered massive public anger, with locals blocking roads and demanding justice and compensation for the victims.

The tragedy unfolded as 62-year-old Khan, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drove from MI Road into the congested lanes of Nahargarh, recklessly ploughing through people and vehicles. According to police, the first collision occurred near the Santosh Mata Temple, where Khan hit a scooter. Instead of stopping, he continued driving, running over those who had fallen and causing further destruction as he sped through the narrow lanes.

Additional DCP (North) Bajrang Singh Shekhawat confirmed that Khan, a resident of Rana Colony in Shastri Nagar, was inebriated at the time. “The vehicle came to a halt only when it got stuck in a narrow alley near the Nahargarh Police Station. A medical test has confirmed the presence of alcohol,” Shekhawat said.

In total, nine people were injured, including Virendra Singh (48), Mamta Kanwar (50), Monesh Soni (28), Mohammad Jalaluddin (44), Deepika Saini (17), Vijay Narayan (65), Jebunnisha (50), Anshika (24), and Awadhesh Pareek (37). All were rushed to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, where doctors declared Kanwar and Pareek dead. A third victim later succumbed to injuries. Hospital officials said the remaining injured are in critical condition and receiving treatment in the trauma ward.

Usman Khan, a factory owner from the Vishwakarma Industrial Area, was immediately taken into custody. An FIR has been lodged against him based on a complaint by Mamta Kanwar’s father.

The Congress acted swiftly, expelling Khan from the party. “We condemn this horrific act. The Congress has no place for such individuals,” said a party spokesperson. Meanwhile, the BJP launched a political offensive, alleging that the opposition party harbours leaders with criminal backgrounds. “This is not an isolated case. It reflects the Congress culture of criminal impunity,” said a BJP spokesperson.

The incident sparked protests outside the Nahargarh Police Station, where angry residents demanded financial compensation for the victims’ families, government jobs for next of kin, and strict punishment for the accused.