Delhi hit-and-run: Woman arrested after SUV hits elderly couple in Kirti Nagar

A 49-year-old woman has been arrested in west Delhi after a hit-and-run crash that left an elderly couple seriously injured in Kirti Nagar.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the driver of a grey SUV hitting the husband and wife from behind, getting out of the vehicle to briefly check on them, and then driving away.

The victims, 79-year-old Dayanand Tagra and his 71-year-old wife Kusum, were returning home from a morning walk near the Arya Samaj Mandir on Friday when they were struck.

The video shows a Hyundai Creta turning left onto the road before veering suddenly and hitting the couple from behind. The impact flung both of them into the air. Dayanand was thrown onto the bonnet of the SUV before falling to the ground, landing on his head and losing consciousness. Kusum, who was already walking with crutches, was knocked to the side of the road, falling near an electric pole.

The footage shows the driver, identified by police as Navleen Kaur, stopping her vehicle and walking over to where Dayanand lay bleeding in the middle of the road. She stayed at the spot for approximately 30 seconds as several passers-by rushed over to help. However, instead of offering assistance or waiting for emergency services, Kaur returned to her car and drove off, leaving the injured couple behind.

Delhi Police subsequently tracked down and arrested Kaur, a homemaker who also lives in Kirti Nagar. Her husband is a local businessman, according to police. The SUV involved in the crash has been impounded.

During questioning, Kaur reportedly told officers that she was driving home when she suddenly "blacked out". Investigators are now looking into her mobile phone records to establish whether she was distracted or using her phone at the time of the collision. Police are also examining CCTV footage from other cameras in the area to reconstruct the exact sequence of events.

The couple are currently recovering in a private hospital. Dayanand, who runs a footwear sole manufacturing factory, suffered a severe head injury. Kusum is being treated for injuries to her back. The couple's two daughters, who live in the United States, have been informed of the incident.

Kirti Nagar police have registered a case against Kaur under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Hareshwar V Swami said she faces charges of rash driving and endangering the life and personal safety of others.