Apurv Singh, 30, was arrested on June 28 in connection with the June 25 hit-and-run death of 34-year-old Sarthak Mattoo near the Rajokri flyover in southwest Delhi. While Mattoo’s family has accused authorities of investigation delays, Delhi Police have denied these claims, stating that the medical examination of the accused was conducted immediately following his apprehension.
Sarthak Mattoo, an event management company employee, was traveling from DLF Gurugram to Noida for work at approximately 6:30 a.m. when his motorcycle was struck by a Mahindra Thar. The vehicle allegedly fled the scene, leaving Mattoo, who was wearing a helmet, mortally wounded. A passerby eventually used Mattoo’s unlocked phone to contact a colleague, but he was declared dead upon arrival at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
Police Investigation and Arrest Status
South West Delhi DCP Amit Goel stated that the medical examination for the accused was performed without delay upon apprehension. “The intoxication part will now come in forensic report,” Goel said. Police identified the driver as Apurv Singh, originally from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. The vehicle involved in the collision was registered to a Bengaluru-based private company and was leased to 29-year-old Sagar Saha, who was present in the front passenger seat at the time of the incident.
Did You Know? Sarthak Mattoo’s father, 66-year-old Surendra Mattoo, had personally purchased an expensive helmet for his son and received a promise that it would be worn for safety; despite this, the protective gear could not prevent the fatal outcome of the collision.
Family Concerns and Systemic Criticism
The family of the deceased has publicly criticized the investigative process, alleging delays and a failure of the system to protect ordinary citizens. Surendra Mattoo emphasized that his son, the couple’s only child, might have survived had the driver stopped to provide assistance rather than fleeing the scene. The family, who moved to Delhi in 1984, remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the immediate aftermath of the crash.
What May Happen Next
The legal process will likely center on the findings of the forensic report regarding potential intoxication. As the investigation moves forward, the evidence collected from the seized Mahindra Thar and witness statements will be critical in determining the formal charges against Apurv Singh. The case is expected to proceed through the standard post-mortem and forensic analysis protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the death of Sarthak Mattoo?
Police arrested 30-year-old Apurv Singh on June 28.
What was the role of the passenger in the vehicle?
Sagar Saha, a 29-year-old Bihar native working for the company and posted in Bengaluru, was in the front passenger seat when the accident occurred.
How did the family learn of the accident?
A passerby discovered Mattoo’s unlocked phone at the scene and used his call logs to contact a colleague, who then notified the family.
How should urban infrastructure be modified to better protect commuters on high-speed flyovers?
