Speeding Audi mows down IAF officer in Kolkata, Mamata orders strict action

The driver reportedly is Ambia Sohrab, son of former RJD MLA Mohammad Sohrab, who later joined Trinamul Congress. Police have initiated a murder case.

On Wednesday, at around 6.30 am, when defence personnel and officers of other security agencies were busy in rehearsal for the Republic Day parade, a brand new white Audi suddenly approached from Khiderpore Road and barged into the area where the rehearsal was going on after breaking three security barricades. The car broke the first barricade near the South Gate of Fort William and the second one near the East Gate. In a bid to flee towards Khiderpore, the car took U-turn at the JK Island. But Ambia failed to control the speed of the car and hit Corporal Gaud – whose first posting was at Kalaikunda in July 2014 after completing his training.

The driver of the car even attempted to flee in his vehicle after running over the 21-year-old Air Force officer, who was supervising the drill as an instructor. His attempt failed though, as either the engine stopped functioning or the steering got locked as the sensors of the car were damaged when the car hit the barricades. The accused fled, leaving the car at the spot. To avoid being identified, he removed the stickers bearing the temporary registration number of the car. The victim was taken to Eastern Command Hospital where he was declared brought dead. Senior police officers including the Commissioner of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha rushed to the spot. The Air Force authorities lodged a complaint at the Maidan police station in the matter.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the hospital, said, “Stringent action must be taken in this connection. I have told the Commissioner of Police to take necessary legal action and lodge a murder case.”