Speeding car of Russian diplomat hits biker at south Delhi

New Delhi: A diplomat from the Russian Embassy allegedly hit a biker with his speeding car, rammed into a barricade and later assaulted a police official at south Delhi's Moti Bagh area on Wednesday, following which Delhi Police has written to the Home Ministry seeking information on the diplomat's identity and position.

The incident was reported around 1.30 AM and the diplomat is suspected to be driving in an inebriated state when he was heading southward on Shanti Path, said a senior police official.

A case of rash driving, obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions, assaulting public servant and causing grievous injury has been registered in connection with the incident, but no one has been named in the FIR, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Dependra Pathak.

"We have ascertained the diplomat's identity but it is to be confirmed, for which we have written to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting them to forward the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs and get the diplomat's name and position verified for further probe into the matter," Pathak said.

The police have also provided the image of the diplomat, obtained from CCTV grabs, to the ministry for the verification process. They are presently awaiting the ministry's response, a senior official said.

Once the identity and position are verified, it shall also be checked to what extent the concerned diplomat enjoys immunity, said the official.

According to the police, the diplomat was driving a white sedan and he was the only person in the vehicle. He lost control of the car and allegedly hit the rear side of a biker, following which the biker fell down and broke his arm. The biker, identified as Naveen, was then rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

The diplomat's car then allegedly rammed into a police barricade in the area and when the officials managed to make him come out of the vehicle, it appeared that the diplomat sustained injuries too.

The diplomat then entered into an argument with police officials and allegedly assaulted a constable on duty. He made a phone call and another person came to the spot who later escorted the diplomat back to his residence.

The diplomat was not taken for any medico-legal counselling, in view of several legal aspects connected to such issues, nor did he insist on any medical assistance. It is suspected that he was drunk, however this cannot be verified through any medical report now, theofficial said.

Police are likely to submit a case report to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 24 hours, he added.