Delhi rains turn fatal as falling tree kills sole breadwinner, injures daughter in Kalkaji
New Delhi: A 50-year-old man, identified as Sudhir Kumar, was killed in Kalkaji, South Delhi, when a tree fell on his motorcycle. His 22-year-old daughter, Priya, who was riding pillion, sustained serious injuries. She is receiving treatment for a hip fracture at Safdarjung Hospital.
According to a report published by Hindustan Times, the incident happened around 9:50 am on Thursday near HDFC Bank at Paras Chowk. The rains had loosened the roots of an old tree, causing it to fall. CCTV footage shows the tree crashing down and crushing Kumar's motorcycle. Sunil, a family friend, said Kumar was the only earning member of his family, adding, "If the tree had fallen just a few seconds later, they would have survived."
Police said another car passing by was also struck by the falling tree, but its driver escaped without injury.
Kumar worked at the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) night shelter near Turkman Gate as a caretaker. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. The family had moved from Aligarh to Delhi two decades ago.
Relatives said Sudhir had taken the day off to buy medicines before dropping Priya at her new job with an NGO, where she earned ₹5,000 a month — now the family’s only income. “She was happy to help her father with expenses for the first time. Now we are praying for her survival,” said cousin Arvind, adding that Shivani’s wedding had been planned for February. “In a few moments, all our happiness has been washed away by the rain.”
Friends remembered Sudhir as a selfless man. “He would quietly find solutions to everyone’s problems, even if it meant sacrificing his own needs,” said long-time friend Devrat Pandey.
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PM unveils development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim
Gangtok (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim while attending the closing ceremony of the state's 50 years of statehood celebrations.
The projects span a wide range of sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture, the officials said.
These projects are aimed at accelerating holistic and inclusive development in Sikkim.
The PM's visit marks an important milestone in the golden jubilee year of Sikkim's statehood and reflects the government's "continued commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the Himalayan state", the officials said.
