Manoj Gupta Seeks Action in Mother’s Crane Death Case

Dwarka witnessed a heart-rending tragedy on Tuesday afternoon when 73-year-old Meena Gupta lost her life after being hit and crushed by a crane while crossing a road. Her son, Manoj Gupta—a resident of Sector-10, Dwarka, and a known social and political figure who has twice contested the MCD councillor elections as a Congress candidate—has squarely blamed the crane driver and the traffic police for what he termed “criminal negligence.” According to police, a PCR call regarding the accident was received around 12 noon at the Dwarka North police station. PCR staff rushed Meena Gupta to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. A case has been registered, and investigation is underway. Eyewitnesses from the locality stated that Meena Gupta attempted to signal the crane driver to stop while she was crossing the road. However, the heavy vehicle allegedly did not slow down, ran over her, and crushed her skull, killing her on the spot. Expressing deep anguish and anger, Manoj Gupta said the incident could have been avoided had basic traffic rules been followed. “This is not just an accident; it is sheer negligence. Heavy vehicles like cranes are allowed to move freely in residential areas during peak hours, and traffic police turn a blind eye. My mother tried to stop the crane, but the driver showed no responsibility,” he said. Manoj Gupta, who is actively involved in social work in Dwarka and has raised civic issues repeatedly during his political campaigns, demanded strict action not only against the driver but also against the owner of the crane. “The driver has been arrested and released on bail, but what about the vehicle owner? Such vehicles operate without proper checks, accountability, or concern for human life. The owner must also be held responsible,” he asserted. Meena Gupta was on her way to meet her sons in Dwarka. She is survived by her husband, Satyaprakash Gupta (75), a property dealer, and their children. The couple had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary less than a month ago, adding to the family’s grief.

Remembering his mother, Manoj Gupta said, “She was the backbone of our family. Despite her age, she was independent, active, and took complete care of my father, who is diabetic. All they truly had was each other.” The tragic incident has once again highlighted serious lapses in traffic management and regulation of heavy vehicles in Dwarka’s residential sectors. Manoj Gupta has urged the Delhi Police and civic authorities to ensure stricter enforcement, restrict the movement of heavy vehicles during daytime hours, and take exemplary action so that no other family has to suffer such an irreversible loss.

“This is not just an accident; it is sheer negligence. Heavy vehicles like cranes are allowed to move freely in residential areas during peak hours, and traffic police turn a blind eye. My mother tried to stop the crane, but the driver showed no responsibility,” 

Manoj Gupta