Ludhiana: A 35-year-old shopkeeper, family’s sole breadwinner, was killed in a head-on scooter collision at New Hargobind Nagar, sparking allegations that a speeding juvenile was behind the wheel.Jai Karan, known locally as Bablu, was returning from the Field Gunj wholesale market with his friend, Harmeet Singh, when the crash occurred near a local school. While Harmeet Singh sustained injuries, Karan suffered critical trauma and was declared dead shortly after arrival at the civil hospital.Narinder Singh, the victim’s brother-in-law, filed a police complaint suggesting that the duo was transporting goods for Karan’s Jamalpur-based general store. Witnesses and the surviving passenger allege the offending vehicle was operated by a minor who fled the scene after the impact. “Harmeet confirmed the rider was a young boy who escaped the spot,” Narinder Singh told police.Karan is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, all of whom were dependent on his modest business income. Ludhiana police have launched a manhunt for the rider but are facing procedural hurdles. An FIR has been registered against an unidentified suspect for rash driving and causing death by negligence. Inspector Nardev Singh has confirmed the scooter’s registered owner was traced, but the individual claimed the vehicle had been sold to a third party prior to the accident.Officers are currently verifying the sale records to identify the current possessor and the identity of the rider at the time of the crash. The incident has renewed local concerns regarding unlicensed minors operating high-speed two-wheelers in congested residential zones.
