Police officer killed by liquor-laden truck in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas
A search is underway for a driver who allegedly ran over Khategaon Station House Officer Dilip Puri while fleeing with illicit alcohol.
A police officer was killed early on Monday in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after a truck carrying more than 1,800 litres of illicit liquor allegedly ran over him, according to the Hindustan Times.
Khategaon Station House Officer (SHO) Dilip Puri was on the Indore-Betul highway following reports of liquor smuggling when the incident occurred. Excise department sub-inspector Pooja Gehlot said the truck had been parked near a roadside eatery since Sunday night.
When Puri attempted to question the driver, the man reportedly drove over a divider to flee, causing the vehicle's rear wheel to strike the officer. Puri was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Dewas Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra said Puri was leading one of five police teams investigating illegal smuggling in the Khategaon area. The truck, which was travelling from Harda towards Khategaon, has been seized and no valid transport permit was found.
Gehlot stated that the alcohol was hidden in a concealed section of the vehicle. The driver abandoned the truck and fled the scene, and a search is currently ongoing.
The incident follows reports from villagers that 10 people recently died after consuming suspected poisonous liquor. Police have arrested 11 individuals in connection with that case, and three excise department officials have been suspended.