GURGAON: A 21-year-old milkman died during treatment on Wednesday, days after a speeding tempo hit the auto he was travelling in near St Xavier’s School in Sector 49.Azharul Islam, a resident of Sector 66, Badshahpur, was on his way to deliver milk around 4am on March 23 when the accident occurred. Police said a loading tempo, allegedly being driven at high speed, jumped a red light and rammed into the auto. The tempo driver fled the spot, leaving the vehicle behind.Azharul sustained critical injuries and was taken to Park Hospital. Police said doctors had stated that he was unfit to give a statement due to the severity of his condition.Tension escalated at the hospital on Wednesday evening after Azharul was declared dead. Family members alleged that his death had occurred a day earlier and was not immediately disclosed to inflate bills. They alleged that the hospital did not disclose the death until all dues were cleared.A large number of people gathered at the hospital premises and staged a protest, raising slogans against the hospital management and demanding legal action. The situation turned tense as some protesters attempted to block the road outside the hospital.Police from Sadar and Sector 50 police stations reached the spot and dispersed the crowd. Police said no formal complaint was received against the protesters or the hospital in connection with the incident.Responding to the allegations, Dr PN Kakar, CEO of Park Hospitals, said the patient was critical and on ventilator support. “The family was informed about his condition and was planning to shift him to another hospital, but he died during the process. Our doctors followed all the protocols and did their job honestly and professionally,” he said.Based on a complaint by his father, Mofijur Rahman, an FIR was registered under sections 281 (rash driving), 125(a) (rash or negligent act endangering life) and 324(4) (mischief) of BNS. After he died during treatment, Section 106 (causing death due to negligence) was added.Police said the body was sent for autopsy and later handed over to the family. “Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the tempo driver,” an officer said.
