Smriti Irani​'s cavalcade not involved in accident on Yamuna Expressway, says HRD Ministry; doctor's family disagree

Smriti Irani has been accused of ignoring the plight of accident victims on the Yamuna Expressway following a pile-up there.

File Image

Delhi: Even as the Smriti Irani was accused of ignoring the plight of accident victims on the Yamuna Expressway following a pile-up there, an HRD Ministry spokesperson on Monday denied that the motorcycle was hit by the Minister's convoy.

Irani's office issued a statement today in which it said that in  sections of media a news story was being run regarding an accident that happened on Yamuna Expressway on late night of March 5, in  which it has been mentioned that vehicle with registration number (DL 3C BA 5315 - Honda city) has allegedly hit a biker.

“It is clarified hereunder that this vehicle has nothing to do with HRD Minister's cavalcade, while it is to be noted that Union HRD Minister, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, had directed SSP, Mathura, to arrange ambulance immediately so that injured could be given medical treatment at the earliest," it said.

Irani was returning to Delhi from Vrindavan after attending a BJYM event.

Throwing light on the incident Rakesh Yadav, SSP​ said today, "Smriti Irani ji's convoy had reached accident spot, 7-8 minutes after the accident, where one person died and two were injured," as per ANI. 

"Her convoy crashed into vehicles which were already piled up on Yamuna Expressway due to that accident," he added.

An Agra-based doctor, Ramesh Nagar was killed after his motorcycle was hit by a car on the expressway. His daughter Sandali and nephew Pankaj were injured. 

As per reports, the family alleged that the children could get proper medical attention only after seven hours.

The victim's daughter told ANI today, “Smriti Irani's convoy rammed into our motorcycle. She came out and I begged her for help but she left.”

Sandali's brother Abhishek also made similar remarks saying his father was lying dead and the injured children were pleading for help. 

"My sister, who was present on the spot, told me that they (minister and her entourage) did come out and see but instead of helping, they got back in the car and left.  On humanitarian grounds she could have helped us and saved our father," he said, as per PTI.

Reports from Agra said that Abhishek had filed an FIR with the police alleging that Irani ignored the victims and moved away. 

"A speeding car with registration (DL3C BA 5315), which was part of the cavalcade of HRD Minister Smriti Irani, hit a motrobike from behind on which Dr Ramesh Nagar and two children were going for a wedding party," the FIR reportedly said.

In a series of tweets immediately after the accident, Irani had said yesterday, "For all enquiring re my accident-I'm fine. Thank you for the concern and wishes."

For all enquiring re my accident- I'm fine. Thank you for the concern and wishes.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

There was a pile up of vehicles due to an accident on the expressway. Unfortunately the police vehicle before mine & my car also crashed.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

Tried to help the injured who were lying on the road for quiet sometime and ensured they reach a hospital. Pray for their safety.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

Good Samaritan Manoj Chopra and his wife also helped injured citizens. God bless them for their empathy and kindness.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

Meanwhile, Manoj Chopra, an eyewitness referred to as the 'good samaritan' by Irani in her tweets, said the Honda City vehicle the minister was travelling in had rammed into other cars.

"Then she had come and was in action.  She called top officials.  Within 10 minutes, the ambulance arrived at that spot," he added, as per PTI.

On the otehr hand, the BJP backed Irani with party MP Anurag Thakur tweeting, "

Smt @smritiirani helped the victims,an attempt is being made to distort facts & create controversy.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 7, 2016

As per eyewitnesses,accident hd happend prior to Smt @smritiirani's convoy reaching the spot.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 7, 2016

Himachali karyakartas were also travelling back on same road w/ Smt. @smritiirani.Thy shared real facts abt hw she helped victims. @BJYM

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 7, 2016

(With Agency inputs)