Speeding Drunk Driver in Audi Mows Down Five Sleeping on Delhi Footpath, Including Child
Drunk Audi Driver Runs Over Five Sleeping on Delhi Footpath, Including 8-Year-Old Girl
New Delhi, July 12, 2025 — In a shocking case of drunk and reckless driving, a speeding Audi car rammed into five people sleeping on a footpath in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, in the early hours of July 9. The horrifying incident has sparked outrage over growing road safety concerns in the national capital.
The incident, which occurred around 1:45 am, left five victims, including an eight-year-old girl, severely injured. The driver, identified as Utsav Shekhar (40), a resident of Dwarka, was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Victims From Rajasthan Injured While Asleep
According to Delhi Police, the five victims — two couples and a child — were asleep outside Shiva Camp on a footpath when the Audi suddenly veered off the road and ran over them. All victims are migrant workers from Rajasthan.
The injured have been identified as:
- Ladhi (40)
- Bimla (8) – Ladhi’s daughter
- Sabami alias Chirma (45) – Ladhi’s husband
- Ram Chander (45)
- Narayani (35) – Ram Chander’s wife
They were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals by locals and emergency responders. Their condition is reported to be serious but stable.
Drunk Driver Arrested On Spot
Police officials confirmed that Utsav Shekhar, the driver of the Audi SUV, was apprehended at the scene. His medical examination confirmed alcohol consumption beyond the permissible limit. The luxury car has been seized, and an FIR under relevant IPC sections has been lodged.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle and veered onto the pavement, hitting those asleep. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway,” a senior officer from the Delhi Police Traffic Unit stated.
Legal Proceedings and Eyewitness Accounts
Shekhar has been booked for rash and negligent driving, causing grievous injury, and driving under the influence. Preliminary investigation and eyewitness testimonies suggest that the car was speeding excessively and showed no signs of braking before the impact.
“I saw the Audi speeding down the road and suddenly jump the pavement. The sound was terrifying. People were screaming,” said an eyewitness who helped move the injured to safety.
Public Outrage and Calls for Stricter Laws
The incident has reignited debate around urban homelessness, footpath safety, and the leniency towards drunk driving in India’s cities. Social media users and civil society activists are demanding stringent penalties for offenders and urban planning reforms to safeguard the homeless.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted under serious sections of the IPC, Shekhar could face up to 10 years imprisonment.
“Drunk driving resulting in grievous injury or death is a criminal act, not a traffic violation. The law must come down hard to prevent such tragedies,” said criminal lawyer Meera Sinha.
Recent Rise in Footpath Accidents
Delhi has seen a disturbing rise in footpath-related accidents over the past two years. According to Delhi Traffic Police data, over 180 people were injured or killed while sleeping on pavements or walking alongside roads in 2024 alone.
Organizations like Save the Streets India have called for:
- Dedicated pedestrian zones and barriers
- Night patrols in accident-prone areas
- Stronger enforcement of DUI laws
- Support shelters for homeless populations