DU student working as newspaper boy killed in accident

A 19-year-old Delhi University student, who worked as a newspaper vendor, was killed in an accident in Rohini on Saturday while he was on his daily rounds in the morning, police said on Monday.

A PCR call was received at KNK Marg police station around 6.30 a.m. on Saturday regarding an accident at a traffic intersection near the RTO office in Rohini. When the police reached the spot, they found a mangled bicycle with newspapers scattered all over. “The injured 19-year-old was shifted to BSA Hospital where he was declared brought dead by doctors,” a senior police officer said.

The deceased was identified as Rishal Singh, a resident of Budh Vihar. He worked as a newspaper vendor in the morning while pursuing his graduation from the School of Open Learning.

Rishal’s uncle, Ghanshyam, 40, who works at a thread-making factory in Bawana, said, “Rishal had been working as a newspaper vendor for five years. He also worked at the thread-making unit where I work. Though his entire day was fully packed, he ensured that he managed to take out time to study on Sundays for his BA degree.”

“Rishal had been working hard to sustain his family and fund his studies. He had dreams of helping his family out of poverty,” he added.

Rishal has three other siblings — an younger brother and two married sisters.

Rishal’s parents have been unwell for some time now. He managed to sustain his family, his education and brother’s education with his meagre income of ₹10,000. Ahead of his birthday on June 11, he had saved money to graduate from a bicycle to a motorcycle, his uncle said.

“We had lot of dreams for him but now everything is gone. We sought the help of police in catching the accused, but they said the area is not under CCTV surveillance and so they don’t know what exactly happened. Where do we go now…” Mr. Ghanshyam lamented.

Initial inquiry revealed a hit-and-run but the offending vehicle has not been identified as yet. A case has been registered at KNK Marg police station under BNS sections 281 and 106(1) and probe is on.