Police officer killed by truck during liquor smuggling interception in Dewas
Khategaon Police Station in-charge Dilip Puri died on Sunday night after being run over by a vehicle allegedly carrying illicit liquor.
A police station in-charge died on the Harda-Nemawar highway in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district late on Sunday night after being run over by a truck. According to The Assam Tribune, the officer, Khategaon Police Station in-charge Dilip Puri, died on the spot during an operation to intercept a vehicle suspected of transporting illicit liquor.
The 2007-batch Sub-Inspector was part of a police team checking for a truck allegedly moving illegal alcohol from Harda to Gujarat via Indore. Dewas Superintendent of Police (SP) Aditya Mishra had organised more than five teams, including station in-charges from Kannod and Satwas, to stop the vehicle.
Reports indicate the driver had stopped to drink water when Dilip Puri arrived to apprehend him. A scuffle reportedly occurred after the officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle, after which the driver allegedly tried to flee. Puri fell from the vehicle and was crushed by its rear wheel.
Police have seized the truck, registration number MP 43 H 4786, which was loaded with liquor, and have arrested the driver. Rahul Jaiswal of Harda has been identified in connection with the suspected smuggling network, with smugglers from Dewas also suspected of involvement.
SP Aditya Mishra and senior officers reached the site to begin an investigation. Puri had previously served at the Hira Nagar and Chandan Nagar police stations in Indore. Authorities are continuing to investigate the smuggling operation and the circumstances of the death.