A Devastating Incident on Duty
On May 13, 2025, a routine vehicle inspection near the Hebbalu toll gate in Davangere district, Karnataka, turned fatal when a speeding lorry ran over and killed a police constable, Ramappa Poojary. The 32-year-old constable, a member of the District Armed Reserve (DAR), was struck while attempting to stop the lorry for inspection, and the driver, identified as Suresh from Hukkeri in Belagavi district, fled the scene immediately after the collision. Despite being rushed to a private hospital, Poojary succumbed to his severe injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked community. The incident, which occurred around 12:30 pm, has sparked outrage over road safety, the dangers faced by law enforcement, and the lack of adequate infrastructure at the toll gate. This blog delves into the details of the tragedy, the investigation, the community’s response, and the broader implications for policing and road safety in Karnataka.
The Incident: A Routine Check Gone Wrong
Ramappa Poojary, a native of Indi village in Hittalagi, Bagalkot district, was on line discipline duty at the Hebbalu toll gate, assisting traffic police in conducting vehicle checks. The toll gate, located on a busy highway in Davangere, is a critical point for monitoring traffic and ensuring compliance with transport regulations. Around midday, Poojary signaled an approaching lorry to stop for inspection, a standard procedure to check documentation, cargo, or compliance with traffic rules. However, the driver, later identified as 36-year-old Suresh, allegedly accelerated instead of halting, ramming into the constable with devastating force.
The impact was catastrophic. Poojary sustained severe injuries to his head, chest, and limbs, and was knocked to the ground. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with fellow officers and toll gate staff rushing to aid the constable. He was immediately transported to SS Hospital in Davangere for emergency treatment, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead. The lorry driver fled, leaving behind a trail of shock and anger among those at the scene. The constable’s body was later moved to the hospital’s mortuary for a post-mortem examination, where senior police officials paid their respects.
Heartbreakingly, Poojary had celebrated his child’s first birthday just two days prior, on May 11, 2025, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the loss. His death has left his young family, including his wife and infant child, grappling with an unimaginable void. Colleagues described him as a dedicated officer, known for his diligence and commitment to public safety, making his loss all the more poignant for the Davangere police force.
The Investigation: Pursuit of Justice
The Davangere Rural Police swiftly registered a case under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing death by negligence, and launched a manhunt for the absconding driver. By the evening of May 13, Suresh was apprehended, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Police sources indicated that the arrest was made possible through coordinated efforts, including tracing the lorry’s registration and analyzing witness statements. The vehicle, which had continued its journey after the incident, was also seized for forensic examination.
Inspector N Kiran of the Davangere Rural Police, who is leading the investigation, stated that the lorry was traveling at high speed, and the driver’s refusal to stop suggested either panic or deliberate disregard for authority. Preliminary findings suggest that the lorry may have been carrying goods, though the exact nature of the cargo and the driver’s motives remain under scrutiny. The police are exploring whether the driver was attempting to evade inspection due to violations such as overloading, lack of permits, or other irregularities, a common issue on Karnataka’s highways.
A significant hurdle in the investigation was the absence of CCTV cameras at the Hebbalu toll gate, which hampered efforts to capture real-time footage of the incident. Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashanth, who visited the scene shortly after the tragedy, expressed frustration with the toll gate management for failing to install surveillance systems, a lapse that delayed the identification of the vehicle. Prashanth reportedly issued a stern warning to the toll gate staff, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future. The lack of cameras has sparked a broader debate about the adequacy of toll gate facilities on Karnataka’s highways, particularly in high-traffic areas like Davangere.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ravikante Gowda also visited the mortuary at the private hospital where Poojary’s body was kept, offering condolences to the constable’s family and assuring them of full support from the police department. Gowda’s presence underscored the gravity of the incident and the department’s commitment to seeking justice. The investigation is ongoing, with police examining the lorry’s travel history, the driver’s background, and potential witnesses to build a comprehensive case. Deputy SP Sharanabasaveshwara, who accompanied Prashanth to the hospital, is overseeing the coordination of forensic and legal proceedings.
Community and Official Reactions
The death of Ramappa Poojary sent shockwaves through Davangere and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger from the public, police, and political figures. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts condemning the driver’s recklessness and mourning the loss of a young officer. One user wrote, “A constable doing his duty is killed by a careless driver—this is the reality our police face every day. Justice for Ramappa Poojary!” Another post, in Kannada, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and called for stricter penalties for hit-and-run offenders. The sentiment on X reflected a mix of sorrow for Poojary’s family and frustration with the recurring issue of road accidents involving law enforcement.
The Karnataka police community, already reeling from similar incidents in recent months, expressed solidarity with Poojary’s family. Colleagues at the District Armed Reserve described him as a “brother in arms,” highlighting his professionalism and camaraderie. A senior officer noted, “Ramappa was always the first to volunteer for tough assignments. His loss is a blow to our unit and our morale.” The police department announced financial assistance and support for Poojary’s family, including compensation and counseling, though these measures offer little solace in the face of such a sudden loss.
Political leaders across party lines also weighed in. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, representing the Congress government, expressed condolences and assured that the state would pursue strict action against the culprit. “Our police personnel risk their lives daily to protect us. This tragedy is unacceptable, and we will ensure justice,” he stated. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), through its state president BY Vijayendra, echoed similar sentiments, calling for improved safety protocols for on-duty officers. The bipartisan response underscored the universal respect for Poojary’s sacrifice and the urgency of addressing road safety concerns.
A Pattern of Peril: Police Officers and Road Accidents
The death of Ramappa Poojary is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of police officers losing their lives during vehicle checks or road-related duties in Karnataka and beyond. In December 2024, a head constable named Mahesh, posted at Bengaluru’s Magadi Road station, was killed when a lorry struck his two-wheeler near Nelamangala. In February 2025, another head constable in Bengaluru died after an SUV collided with his scooter near the Sadahalli toll gate. These incidents highlight the inherent risks faced by police personnel on highways, where speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and inadequate infrastructure create a deadly combination.
Nationally, similar tragedies have occurred. In January 2024, a constable in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, was killed when an SUV hit him during a vehicle check, with the driver fleeing the scene. These cases point to a systemic issue: the vulnerability of officers during roadside duties, compounded by drivers’ disregard for authority and the lack of protective measures. In Karnataka, the absence of CCTV cameras at the Hebbalu toll gate mirrors broader gaps in highway infrastructure, such as insufficient lighting, poorly marked checkpoints, and limited barriers to shield officers from traffic.
The recurring nature of these incidents has fueled calls for reform. Police associations in Karnataka have long advocated for better equipment, such as reflective vests, portable barriers, and advanced signaling devices, to enhance officer safety during vehicle checks. The Karnataka State Police Federation submitted a memorandum to the Home Department in 2024, requesting mandatory CCTV installation at all toll gates and increased penalties for drivers who endanger law enforcement. Poojary’s death has renewed these demands, with officers urging the government to prioritize their safety on high-risk assignments.
Road Safety and Lorry-Related Accidents in Karnataka
Davangere, a key commercial and agricultural hub, sees heavy lorry traffic due to its strategic location on National Highway 48, connecting Bengaluru to northern Karnataka and beyond. The Hebbalu toll gate, where the incident occurred, is a busy checkpoint, making it a hotspot for vehicle inspections but also a danger zone for officers. Lorry-related accidents are a persistent problem in the region, with several high-profile cases in recent years. In 2013, three men, including a lorry driver, were killed when their vehicle rear-ended a trailer on NH-4 near Davangere’s Subhashnagar. In 2022, seven people died in a road accident in Jagalur, Davangere district, underscoring the district’s vulnerability to highway tragedies.
The state’s trucking industry, while vital to Karnataka’s economy, has faced scrutiny for lax safety standards. A truckers’ strike in April 2025, which ended after government concessions, highlighted tensions over regulations, but issues like overloading, driver fatigue, and non-compliance with traffic rules persist. The lorry involved in Poojary’s death was reportedly speeding, raising questions about adherence to speed limits and vehicle maintenance. The absence of CCTV footage has also drawn attention to the need for stricter oversight of toll gate operations, which often lack the technology to deter or document violations.
Karnataka’s broader road safety record adds context to the tragedy. In 2024, the state reported over 40,000 road accidents, with heavy vehicles like lorries accounting for a significant share of fatalities. The government’s “Vision Zero” campaign, launched in 2023 to reduce road deaths, has made strides in urban areas but struggles to address rural highways like those in Davangere. Initiatives like the planned “cashless travel” system for Bengaluru’s BMTC buses and metro smart cards indicate progress in transport innovation, but highway safety for law enforcement remains a critical gap.
The Human Toll: A Family and Community in Mourning
Beyond the statistics, Ramappa Poojary’s death is a deeply personal tragedy. His child’s first birthday celebration, held just two days before the incident, was a moment of joy for his family, now overshadowed by grief. Poojary’s wife, parents, and extended family in Bagalkot are grappling with the loss of a breadwinner and a beloved figure. Community members in Indi village, where Poojary was known for his humility and service, have organized prayer meetings and vigils to honor his memory.
The Davangere police force, a tight-knit community, has rallied around Poojary’s family, with officers contributing to a fund for their support. Senior officials, including SP Prashanth and IGP Gowda, have pledged to expedite compensation processes and ensure the family receives all entitled benefits. However, the emotional toll on Poojary’s colleagues is palpable, with many expressing fear about the risks of roadside duties. “Every time we step onto the highway, we know it could be us,” said a fellow DAR constable, reflecting the unspoken anxiety within the force.
The incident has also resonated with the public, particularly in Davangere, where police-community relations are generally strong. Local residents, many of whom rely on the police for safety in a region prone to accidents and crime, have called for justice and better protection for officers. A shopkeeper near the Hebbalu toll gate remarked, “These constables are like our guardians. How can someone just run them over and drive away?” The sentiment underscores the community’s appreciation for law enforcement and its demand for accountability.
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