IIT Delhi student killed, another injured after being hit by car, driver held

NEW DELHI: A 30-year-old IIT Delhi student was killed and his friend was injured after they were allegedly hit by a car outside the campus here, police said on Wednesday. The 31-year-old driver of the vehicle has been nabbed, they said. Ashraf Nawaz Khan and Ankur Shukla (29), both PhD students, went to a restaurant in the SDA market on Tuesday night and were crossing the road after having dinner when the car hit them, a senior police officer said.

Khan died during treatment at the Safdarjung hospital while Shukla is admitted to the Max hospital in Saket with a fractured leg, he said. The car, which hit the duo, was found abandoned at some distance, police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C said, "We have apprehended driver Avihant Sherawat, resident of Mahipalpur, and further interrogation is on." A friend of the deceased said, "Khan was a research scholar. He along with his friend went out to have dinner on Tuesday night. While returning to the campus, they found the subway closed. So, they had to take another route and while crossing the road, they were hit by a car."

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Khan's relatives expressed anger over the delay by police in reaching the spot. "Ashraf was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. How come someone just hit him and fled the spot. I being his guardian was here at 2 am and when I urged police to come immediately, they said they would come only by 8 am. "What was this attitude? There should be a thorough inquiry into the matter. I suspect that the driver was under the influence of alcohol," said Khan's aunt.

A case has been registered and further investigation is on, police said. In a statement, IIT Delhi said on the night of January 17, two PhD students from the textile and fibre engineering department met with a tragic road accident outside the campus. One of the students, Ashraf Nawaz Khan, succumbed to injuries while another student, Ankur Shukla, who also got injured, is undergoing treatment, the statement said.

"Police are investigating the accident. The institute community mourns the loss of its student and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family. We are also praying for the quick recovery of Ankur Shukla. The institute is providing all necessary support to the families of both students," the statement said.