Kaypee family blames police for their slow response

Just hours after the tragic death of Richi, the only son of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Mohinder Singh Kaypee, his grieving family has alleged police negligence in responding to the serious accident that shook Model Town last night. A pall of gloom has descended on the Kaypee's house, as the family struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss of their beloved son.

Loved by friends and neighbours alike, Richi’s family found it hard to come to terms with the loss of beloved Richi who was adored by all for his politeness and humility.

While Richi had dinner at his home, with his uncle who had returned from the US, he reportedly went out again to hand back a mobile of a friend which had earlier been left behind in his car.

Amrik Singh, Richi’s uncle, while speaking to The Tribune, alleged, “The accident took place between 10.30 and 11 pm and the police arrived on the spot at 2.30 pm. If they had come earlier, his life could have been saved and the driver of the Creta could have been caught. He was drunk. The police’s delay caused the culprit to get away. Our boy is gone, what more can we do now. But the question remains what the police were doing when the police station is at a walking distance from the spot.”

Cries and wails reverberated at the Kaypee home. Kaypee wept bitterly as he came to terms with the loss.

Richi had been handling his family’s farms and was primarily a farmer.

Neighbours and friends rued the loss of a youth famed for his endearing modesty.

Congress leader Balraj Thakur, who reached the site of the accident shortly after the incident, said, “A good human being has gone. Richie was a decent man, always polite and soft spoken.”

Prof Ramnita Sharda, his neighbour, said, “We have seen him grow up. Richi, including his family, was a very decent man. It is tragic to lose a human being like him.”

While the family awaits more relatives from abroad in the coming days, including Richi’s sister, family members said his last rites will be held on Tuesday.

CM Bhagwant Mann said, “From Jalandhar, I’ve received the news of the death of Richi Kaypee in a road accident. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family in this sad hour. We pray to God to give the family the strength to bear the loss.”