Kulgam, Sep 25: The accused in the tragic Qazigund road accident has been apprehended in a “hit and run case” by police in Kulgam on Monday. 

A police spokesperson said that District Police Kulgam successfully resolved a hit-and-run case by apprehending the alleged perpetrator involved in the crime.

“On September 22, 2023, at approximately 06:23 AM, a tragic accident occurred near the walnut factory in Qazigund. An unidentified vehicle, later determined to be a truck, travelling from Ujroo collided with a Maruti Eeco bearing registration number JK06B-0901, en route to Banihal. The driver of the truck, in a bid to conceal his identity and evade responsibility, fled the scene along with his vehicle,” he said. 

He said the collision resulted in critical injuries to the Eeco's driver and six passengers, who were promptly rushed to Emergency Hospital Qazigund. From there, they were referred to GMC Anantnag for further medical attention. Unfortunately, four of the injured individuals succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

“In response, a case was registered under FIR number 206/2023 at Police Station Qazigund, and a rigorous investigation was set in motion,” he said. 

He said that under the leadership of SHO Police Station Qazigund, and with the direct oversight of SSP Kulgam, the investigative team worked tirelessly. “They diligently gathered evidence from CCTV footage, toll plazas, telecommunications, and various other sources to identify and apprehend the driver responsible for the tragic incident. After exhaustive efforts, the police successfully located the vehicle with registration number JK22-7103, leading to the arrest of the alleged driver, Aarif Ahmad Ellahi, son of Ghulam Rasool Ellahi, hailing from Nowgam Verinag, Anantnag,” he said.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing, as the police continue their diligent efforts to ensure justice is served, the spokesperson added.