SI killed, 4 cops hurt as SUV crashes into tree

Gorakhpur: A sub-inspector was killed and four other police personnel, including a woman officer, were injured after a speeding police SUV rammed into a tree in Maharajganj district on Tuesday morning, CO Cantt Yogendra Singh said.The accident occurred around 6.30am near Katarari area under Shyamdeurwa police station limits when the team from Gorakhpur was returning after conducting a raid in Maharajganj. According to preliminary investigation, the driver allegedly dozed off while driving on the highway. The vehicle first climbed onto the divider and then crashed into a tree. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the vehicle was badly damaged, police said. The team comprised senior sub-inspector Ramesh Chandra Kushwaha, sub-inspectors Santosh Kumar and Geeta, along with two constables and a private driver.
Sub-inspector Santosh Kumar succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Senior sub-inspector Kushwaha and woman sub-inspector Geeta are stated to be in critical condition, while the driver is reported to be out of danger. Two other policemen sustained minor injuries, police said.Santosh Kumar, who lost his life in the accident, was a native of Sahsarawan village in Siwan district of Bihar. He was posted at Ramgarhtal police station in Gorakhpur. Upon receiving information about the incident, his family members left for Gorakhpur.Senior police officials reached the medical college after the mishap and reviewed the condition of the injured personnel.