A routine evening turned into a nightmare in Agra’s Nagla Budhi area when a speeding car veered out of control, ramming into seven pedestrians on Central Hindi Institute Road. Five people were killed on the spot, and two others injured in the horrific crash late Friday night (October 24, 2025). The vehicle only halted after slamming into a roadside tree—a barrier that locals credit with saving additional lives, as the car could have plunged into a nearby drain and nearby homes.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of sheer horror: the car, allegedly driven at 70-80 km/h, struck a divider, flipped multiple times, and careened onto the sidewalk, crushing victims seated outside Premchand’s residence. Screams echoed as bodies lay scattered; one scooter was hurled into the drain amid the chaos. Twelve-year-old Gungun, daughter of victim Babli, recounted the terror: She was heading to the market with a friend when the car barreled toward her mother, who was returning from work. “If not for the tree, it would have crashed into houses—many more would have died,” a witness shuddered.
Victims: A Family Shattered in an Instant
The deceased, all locals from Nagla Budhi, were rushed to Sarojini Naidu Medical College, where five were declared dead on arrival. The injured received emergency treatment, with two in critical condition. Identified victims include:
| Name | Age | Relation/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Babli | 33 | Housewife; mother of Gungun |
| Bhanu Pratap | 25 | Local resident; seated outside |
| Kamal | 23 | Young worker in the group |
| Krishna | 20 | Among those relaxing post-dinner |
| Bantesh | 21 | Eyewitness to initial impact |
The two injured, including a minor, are stable but under observation. Post-mortems confirmed massive trauma from the impact.
Panic-Fueled Crash: Driver Flees Police Near Liquor Vend
Preliminary investigations point to alcohol and fear as triggers. The driver, Anshul Gupta (resident of 11 Rajdeep Enclave, Dayalbagh), was allegedly at a nearby liquor outlet when police arrived for a routine check. In a bid to evade arrest, he floored the accelerator on his Tata Nexon, first clipping a bike before losing control. His seatbelt and airbag deployment saved his life; locals smashed the windshield to pull him out unconscious. Gupta, now in custody at New Agra police station, remains incoherent and is undergoing medical evaluation before interrogation. Blood tests for intoxication are pending.
Women in the area decried open drinking outside vends, a daily menace despite complaints. “Crowds gather from morning; police turn a blind eye,” one protester lamented, linking it to the crash.
Outrage Erupts: Road Blockade and Lathi Charge
Grief swiftly turned to fury among Nagla Budhi residents. Hundreds, led by women, blocked Central Hindi Institute Road, demanding liquor vend closures, compensation for victims’ families (at least Rs 10 lakh each), and stricter enforcement. “No more blood on these roads!” they chanted, halting traffic for hours.
A heavy police contingent from Hariparvat Circle, including DCP Aditya Singh and ACP Akshay Sanjay Mahadik, arrived to negotiate. Tensions escalated with slogan-shouting and scuffles; officers resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, chasing protesters through lanes. No major injuries were reported from the clash, but the blockade highlighted simmering frustrations over road safety and vice dens.
Police have beefed up presence at the site, post-mortem house, and neighborhood, using announcements to urge calm and warn against vigilantism. “Action is underway; let the law prevail,” SHO New Agra Inspector urged via loudspeakers.
This tragedy underscores Agra’s persistent road safety woes, with over 1,200 fatalities in UP highways last year alone. Authorities promise a thorough probe, including CCTV footage review, while locals call for immediate vend regulations and speed barriers.
