A police officer died on Friday after a racing jeep ran over him during the 21st Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, casting a shadow over the popular motorsport event.

 

According to reports, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Bashir Ahmed Joyia was performing security duty near the Jamgarh mid-point when racer Faisal Shadikhel's jeep lost control, skidded off the track and struck him. ASI Joyia, who was posted at Shahr Farid Police Station, died on the spot.

 

Other security officials at the scene managed to escape by quickly moving away from the path of the oncoming vehicle.

 

Police have booked Shadikhel for the death of the ASI. Marrot Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the area near Jamgarh Fort where the accident occurred, registered a case based on FIR No 46/26 under Section 322 (manslaughter) and Section 379 (theft) of the Pakistan Penal Code, reports added.

 

The complaint, filed by Sub-Inspector Riaz Shahid, alleges that Shadikhel committed negligence on a turn that led to the fatal accident.

 

Ironically, Shadikhel emerged as the unofficial winner of Friday's first round in the prepared category, covering 236 kilometers in one hour and 43 minutes. His victory marks a major upset as he had finished third in Thursday's qualifying round.

 

Mir Jaffar Magsi, who was second in the qualifying round, finished in second position, while Hussain Asif took third place.

 

The prepared category participants will compete in their second and final round on Sunday, the last day of the rally.