Police officer killed as liquor-laden truck runs over him in Dewas
Khategaon Station House Officer Dilip Puri died after a vehicle allegedly carrying illicit liquor struck him during an operation.
A police station in-charge was killed on Monday in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after being run over by a truck allegedly transporting illicit liquor. The deceased has been identified as Khategaon Station House Officer (SHO) Dilip Puri, who was leading one of five police teams formed to intercept smuggling on the Indore-Betul highway, according to The Hawk and Hindustan Times.
Excise sub-inspector Pooja Gehlot stated that the truck had been parked near a roadside eatery since Sunday night. When Puri attempted to question the driver, the man allegedly drove over a divider to flee, causing the vehicle's rear wheel to strike the officer. Puri was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Dewas Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra said that police seized the truck and recovered more than 1,800 litres of illicit liquor hidden in a secret compartment. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled, and a search is currently underway. No valid transport permit was found in the truck.
The incident follows reports of a spurious liquor racket in the district, where villagers claimed at least 10 people died after consuming adulterated alcohol. In a related investigation, police have arrested 11 individuals, including a chemical supplier and illegal sellers.
The controversy has led to administrative changes, including the suspension of three excise officials and the transfer of nine senior IAS and IPS officers. Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav alleged the incident shows a deteriorating law and order situation in the state.