New Delhi | August 10, 2025 :A tragic accident in Delhi’s high-security Chanakyapuri area on Sunday morning claimed the life of a pedestrian, while another was left critically injured after being hit by a speeding Mahindra Thar. The incident has once again raised questions about rash driving in the capital, particularly involving high-performance SUVs.

Accident Near Rashtrapati Bhavan
The collision took place just about two kilometres from Rashtrapati Bhavan, in a zone heavily guarded due to its proximity to embassies and government buildings. Witnesses reported that after the accident, the pedestrian’s body lay on the road for hours before being removed by the police. The injured victim was rushed to hospital and remains in critical condition.

Police quickly arrested the 26-year-old driver and seized the SUV. According to sources, liquor bottles were found inside the vehicle, and forensic teams are examining the scene for additional evidence.

Driver Claims He Dozed Off
The driver told investigators that the Thar belonged to a friend and that he had borrowed it. He admitted to dozing off at the wheel, causing him to lose control and plough into the pedestrians. However, given the liquor bottles recovered from the SUV, police are checking whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Visuals from the scene showed significant damage to the left front side of the five-door Mahindra Thar Roxx.

Spotlight on the Mahindra Thar’s Popularity and Risks
First launched in 2010, the Mahindra Thar became a cult favourite among SUV enthusiasts for its rugged design and off-roading capabilities. The latest five-door version, known as the Thar Roxx, is priced between ₹13 lakh and ₹23 lakh.

The vehicle has also gained a massive social media presence, often appearing in Instagram reels and short videos. However, its popularity has also brought negative attention due to several incidents of rash driving.

Recent Incidents Involving the Thar
The Chanakyapuri accident comes just a week after a video went viral showing a young woman in Gurugram sitting on the roof of a moving Thar while recording herself. The act drew widespread criticism for flouting road safety rules and endangering lives.

Last month, a disturbing video from Jammu surfaced showing a Thar ramming into a scooter and then reversing to run over the rider, leaving the victim seriously injured. These incidents have fuelled concerns about the misuse of high-powered SUVs for dangerous stunts and social media content.

Renewed Concerns Over Road Safety
Road safety experts have long warned that vehicles like the Thar, while safe when driven responsibly, can become lethal in the hands of reckless drivers. The combination of powerful engines, a commanding road presence, and social media influence has, in some cases, led to irresponsible driving behaviour.

Police officials have urged citizens to follow traffic laws strictly and warned that violations, especially those endangering others, will be met with strict legal action. The investigation into Sunday’s accident is ongoing, with forensic reports and medical examinations expected to reveal whether the driver was intoxicated.

For the families of the victims, however, the damage has already been done, a stark reminder that a moment of negligence behind the wheel can have irreversible consequences.