In a shocking incident reported from Greater Noida on Friday evening, a speeding Mahindra Thar dragged a burning motorcycle for approximately 7 kilometers. The incident took place on National Highway 91, starting from the Dhum Manikpur area and ending near the Luharli toll plaza. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Harsh from Bulandshahr, has been detained by the police following a coordinated operation.
Visuals of the incident surfaced on social media, showing the black SUV speeding on the highway while the motorcycle sparked and eventually caught fire underneath its bumper. The incident occurred during the evening rush hours on February 27, causing panic among other commuters. The vehicle has now been seized for forensic examination.
How did the dispute start at the petrol pump?
The sequence of events began when the driver, Harsh, arrived at a petrol pump in Dhum Manikpur to refill his SUV with diesel. According to official reports, he attempted to flee the spot without paying the fuel bill, claiming he would settle it online but driving away instead. Kuldeep Sharma, a salesman at the pump, chased the SUV on his motorcycle to recover the money.
The Thar allegedly rammed into the motorcycle during the chase. The impact threw Kuldeep off the bike, causing him injuries, while the motorcycle itself got lodged under the front bumper of the SUV. Instead of stopping to check on the victim, the driver accelerated and continued driving on the highway.
What happened during the chase on the highway?
As the driver sped away towards the GT Road, the friction between the trapped motorcycle and the asphalt caused the bike to catch fire. Eyewitnesses reported seeing large flames emitting from the front of the moving car. The drag continued for nearly 7 kilometers, with the driver refusing to stop despite alerts from bystanders.
Local police stations, including Badalpur, Dadri Kot, and Jarcha, coordinated quickly to intercept the vehicle. A barricade was set up near the Luharli toll plaza. The police successfully stopped the vehicle at the blockade and took the driver into custody immediately. The fire was subsequently extinguished, but the motorcycle was completely destroyed.
What charges have been filed against the driver?
The Badalpur Police have registered a formal case against Harsh. Officials stated that his refusal to stop the vehicle, even after the fire started, significantly escalated the danger to public safety. The driver is facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for:
- Rash and negligent driving (Section 281).
- Causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others.
- Theft and dishonest misappropriation regarding the fuel payment.
