The journey from Prayagraj to Jhansi began simply for a meeting. The five young men in the car hoped to return after meeting their family members imprisoned in Jhansi jail. But everything changed in a matter of seconds on Thursday morning in the Poonch police station area of Jhansi. The speeding Hyundai Creta suddenly hit a divider, killing Aban Ahmed (21), the youngest son of the late mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, and his friend Sonu. Three other young men were injured. The tragedy has now become more than just a road accident, raising numerous legal and investigative questions.
According to the police, Aban Ahmed was traveling from Prayagraj to Jhansi with four friends. Their goal was to visit their elder brother, Ali Ahmed, who was imprisoned in Jhansi jail. Mohammad Zayed was driving the car, while Aban was sitting in the front seat. Around 10:30 a.m., the car suddenly went out of control and hit a divider in the Poonch police station area of Jhansi district. The impact was so severe that the SUV was mangled, and its parts were scattered across a 40-foot stretch of road. After the accident, everyone inside was trapped inside.
What did eyewitnesses say about Aban Ahmed’s death?
Hearing the sound of the accident, people from nearby areas rushed to the scene. According to eyewitness Deepak Yadav, the car doors were completely jammed. He first informed the police and then tried to pry them open with an iron rod from a nearby house. Deepak says that the first young man to be pulled out gave his name as Aban and pleaded for help. However, he fainted shortly after. Police and locals worked together to pull out the remaining injured and rushed them to the hospital.
The injured companion told what happened before the accident?
Mohammad Umar, who was injured in the accident, said that the car was moving at a very high speed. Suddenly, the vehicle lost control and collided directly with the divider. According to Umar, when he regained consciousness, he found himself lying injured on the road. Aban and Sonu died on the spot, while Mohammad Zayed, Umar, and another companion are undergoing treatment at Jhansi Medical College. According to the police, all three are currently in stable condition.
There are different claims about the cause of the accident.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear. The investigation has revealed various facts. Eyewitness Deepak Yadav claims that a calf suddenly appeared on the road. In an attempt to save it, the driver swerved, and a motorcycle suddenly appeared, causing the vehicle to lose balance. Injured Umar claims that the car was speeding and lost control, hitting the divider. Some preliminary information also suggests the car struck a brick lying on the road. Police say it was raining lightly at the time of the accident, the road was wet, and the vehicle was moving at a high speed. All possible causes are currently being investigated.
Police are conducting forensic investigation and examining CCTV footage
Jhansi Senior Superintendent of Police BBGTS Murthy said that a forensic team has inspected the scene. Footage from CCTV cameras installed on the national highway is also being examined. Statements from the injured and eyewitnesses are being recorded to uncover the true cause of the accident.
Will a murder case be registered against driver Mohammad Zayed?
The biggest question arising after the accident is whether Mohammed Zayed, the driver, will be charged with murder. According to legal experts, this question cannot be answered simply with a “yes” or “no.” Indian law doesn’t consider every road accident a murder. A murder case can only be made if it is proven that the driver intentionally drove with the intent to cause someone’s death or knew in advance that his actions would inevitably result in death. If no such criminal intent or conspiracy is found, the case does not fall under the category of murder.
Which section applies in such cases?
If the investigation reveals that the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence or speeding, Section 106(1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) may generally apply. This section deals with cases of death by negligence. The police must prove that Mohammed Zayed was driving the vehicle and that the vehicle was being driven rashly or negligently, which is why the car hit the divider. Two people died in the accident. This section carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Will the punishment be doubled if two people die?
There is no provision in Indian law that automatically doubles the sentence to 10 years in prison if two people die. However, the court considers all aspects, such as the number of victims, the severity of the accident, the driver’s negligence, and the available evidence, when delivering a verdict. What other sections may be applied? If the investigation confirms speeding or dangerous driving, the police may also add sections such as Section 125 of the BNS (negligent act endangering the life or safety of others) and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act (dangerous driving).
Will the driver be arrested?
Even after an FIR is filed, arrest is not automatic. The police will assess whether the accused is cooperating with the investigation, whether there is a risk of them absconding, and whether they may tamper with evidence. These factors will determine further action.
Another member of Atiq Ahmed family passes away
Aban Ahmed was the youngest of Atiq Ahmed’s five sons. His elder brother, Asad Ahmed, was killed in a police encounter in Jhansi in 2023. Ali Ahmed is currently lodged in Jhansi jail, while Umar Ahmed is in Lucknow jail. Their mother, Shaista Parveen, has been absconding for a long time in the Umesh Pal murder case and is being searched by the police.
After the post-mortem, Aban’s body will be taken to Prayagraj, where he is expected to be cremated like the rest of his family. Police are currently investigating every aspect of the incident and will determine further legal action based on forensic reports and CCTV footage.