Dewas Tragedy: Police Inspector Crushed to Death by Liquor Smuggler's Truck
A tragic incident in Dewas where Khategaon Police Station in-charge Dilip Puri was run over by a truck carrying illicit liquor.
A daring escape attempt by smugglers turned fatal in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, leaving a dedicated police officer dead. In a shocking turn of events on the Indore-Betul highway, Khategaon Police Station in-charge Dilip Puri was run over by a truck allegedly transporting illicit liquor during a midnight operation.
The Midnight Ambush
The tragedy unfolded around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team had strategically positioned themselves on the highway to intercept a suspicious vehicle. It was later revealed that the Nemawar police were also in pursuit of the same truck.
The tension peaked when the police located the truck parked near a highway divider. In an effort to secure the vehicle and its occupants, Inspector Dilip Puri stepped forward and ordered the driver to exit the truck immediately.
A Fatal Maneuver
Instead of complying with the officer's orders, the driver chose a violent path of escape. In a sudden and calculated move, the driver accelerated the heavy vehicle onto the divider. The massive rear wheel of the truck ran directly over Inspector Puri, inflicting catastrophic injuries.
Emergency responders rushed the officer to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals fought for two hours to save his life, including attempts at CPR. However, Dr. Shailendra later confirmed that Inspector Puri had succumbed to his injuries before reaching the facility. The cause of death was attributed to massive blood loss, multiple fractures, and severe internal organ damage.
The Aftermath and Investigation
Following the attack, the driver abandoned the truck in Sandalpur and vanished into the night. The vehicle, which has since been impounded at the police station, was found to be specially modified. Excise Sub-Inspector Pooja Gehlot noted that the truck’s body sits about two feet off the base, featuring hidden compartments loaded with liquor. An official inventory is currently underway to determine the exact quantity and the origin of the smuggled alcohol.
Dewas SP Aditya Mishra arrived at the scene around 3:30 a.m. on Monday. Recognizing the gravity of the crime, the SP announced the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to track down the fugitive driver and uncover the smuggling network behind the operation.
A Family Left in Mourning
Inspector Dilip Puri hailed from Barmandal village in the Sardarpur tehsil of Dhar district. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, Kavita, and two children—a son and a daughter. His father, Om Prakash Puri, is a farmer and a Congress leader, while his younger brother works in the private sector in Indore.
In recognition of his service and ultimate sacrifice, Inspector Puri will be cremated with full state honors in his ancestral village of Barmandal.