Senior Finance Ministry official killed in Delhi hit-and-run, probe focuses on delayed medical aid

Senior finance ministry official Navjot Singh died after a speeding BMW X5 slammed into his motorcycle near Delhi Cantonment on Sunday night, sparking outrage and a police probe into why he was taken nearly 20 km away to a hospital linked to the accused driver’s family.

The 52-year-old-victim, a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Finance Ministry, was riding a motorcycle with his wife, Sandeep Kaur, returning from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara when a BMW X5 allegedly hit them from behind. The impact killed Singh on the spot while his wife and others were injured.

The driver of the BMW, Gaganpreet Kaur (38), has been arrested along with her husband Parikshit, who was reportedly in the car at the time. They face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, destruction or concealment of evidence, along with giving false information.

Singh’s son has alleged that his father might have survived if he had been taken immediately to a nearby hospital. Instead, the injured — Navjot Singh and his wife — were taken to NuLife Hospital in GTB Nagar, nearly 19-22 km away from the crash site.

It’s been reported that this hospital is co-owned by a family member of Gaganpreet, raising questions and suspicion over whether this influenced the choice of medical facility.

Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide over the incident and are investigating. Vehicle and crime scene examinations are underway, and statements of those involved are being recorded.

The case has drawn attention not just because of Singh’s senior government position but due to concerns from the family about delays in treatment and whether protocol was followed at the hospital.

These include claims that despite serious injuries, the hospital admitted other patients and delayed treatment for Singh’s wife in the lobby; that staff were slow to respond; and that there was ambiguity over who transported them to the hospital.

Public figures and government forums have expressed condolences and demanded a thorough investigation. The Central Secretariat Services Forum, among others, has urged authorities to ensure accountability.