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Three days after a Thar SUV hit an elderly man riding a scooter in Jammu, the police on Wednesday arrested the car driver. The incident that took place on July 27, near Green Belt Park in the Gandhi Nagar area, caused critical injuries to the elderly man who was riding the scooter.
Following the incident, which took place on Sunday, the driver fled the scene without assisting the injured man. The accused, who was on the run after the accident, has been identified as Mannan Anand, Jammu police said on X.
An FIR was registered following the incident and the case was handled under the close supervision of the SDPO South and SP South, who directed Gandhi Nagar Police to carry out an immediate and thorough investigation.
The police acted swiftly, collecting crucial CCTV footage from the area, recording statements from eyewitnesses, and launching a search operation to trace the absconding driver.
After sustained efforts, the accused was arrested and taken into custody. He is currently being interrogated, and further legal action is in progress.
Jammu Police have assured the public of a fair and timely investigation and have called upon citizens to share any additional information that may help bring the case to a just conclusion.
On July 27, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, a chilling road-rage incident unfolded near Green Belt Park in Jammu’s Gandhi Nagar area. A 20-year-old engineering student, Manan (or Mannan) Anand, was caught on CCTV driving recklessly in his Mahindra Thar SUV, colliding with an elderly man riding a scooter—and then shockingly reversing to hit him a second time. The man, identified as 68-year-old Kamal Dutt, was left severely injured, including a suspected brain hemorrhage, and remains in critical condition.Indiatimes+1The StatesmanmintThe Indian ExpressThe Kashmir Pulse
What the Footage Revealed
The widely circulated footage portrays a moment of pure brutality. The Thar snaked onto the wrong side of the road, striking Dutt’s scooter. Instead of stopping to help, the driver deliberately reversed and ran over the already injured man a second time. Witnesses watched in horror as the accused even stepped out, uttered abuses, and fled the scene.IndiatimesNDTV Indiatv9englishThe Indian Express
Public Outrage and Online Backlash
The video went viral within hours, igniting widespread outrage. Social media erupted with calls for justice, with netizens demanding stronger regulations around SUV ownership—especially Mahindra Thars, which have been increasingly associated with aggressive driving. Suggestions ranged from requiring character certificates from prospective buyers to outright banning the model.IndiatimesIndiatimes
One digital commenter remarked:
“THAR isn’t a car anymore, it’s a menace. Ban it already. A man in Jammu was hit twice by a Thar… This isn’t just a road rage issue…”Indiatimes
Another added, bitterly:
“If your kid buys a Thar, as a parent be extra careful. The track record of 90% of Thar owners isn’t less than criminal.”Indiatimes
Legal Response
Jammu Police promptly registered FIR No. 163/2025 at Gandhi Nagar Police Station under:
Section 281 (rash driving)
Section 125(a) (endangering human life)
Section 109 (attempt to murder)IndiatimesThe StatesmanThe Indian Express
The Mahindra Thar was seized, and the registered owner—Manan’s father, Rajinder Anand—was detained for questioning.IndiatimesThe Indian ExpressThe Kashmir Pulse
Arrest and Custodial Detention
After an intense 72-hour manhunt with multiple specialized teams, authorities arrested Manan on July 30, roughly three days after the attack. The police disseminated a WhatsApp message stating, “Swift action, sharp pursuit … Justice may take its time, but it never loses its way.”mintThe Kashmir PulseThe Indian ExpressIndia Today
Anand was remanded to six days of police custody to aid in the ongoing investigation. The court ordered daily medical checks during this period.The Indian Express Meanwhile, the victim’s condition worsened, prompting his transfer to Fortis Hospital in Punjab for advanced care.The Indian Express+1
What This Means for Society
This appalling incident shines a light on several urgent issues:
Road Rage on the Rise
The blatant violence captured on camera underscores a worrying trend of entitlement and aggression on public roads.SUV Culture Under Scrutiny
The Thar, already panned in some circles for fostering reckless driving, now faces nationwide backlash and calls for regulatory intervention.The Power of Technology
Surveillance footage proved pivotal in identifying and holding the accused accountable—demonstrating how crucial digital evidence can be in the pursuit of justice.Tougher Legislation Needed
Citizens and lawmakers alike are urging stricter enforcement of traffic laws and harsher penalties for hit-and-run and road-rage offenders.
Closing Thoughts
The Jammu incident is not just a horrifying act of violence—it’s a tragedy that lays bare deep-rooted issues in our traffic culture and societal values. The way forward demands swifter justice, meaningful regulation, and a collective commitment to road safety and civility.
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