Hit-and-run driver regrets staying back for birthday

KATHMANDU, AUG 6: Biplab Man Singh, whose reckless driving killed five Indian nationals and one Nepali early Wednesday, regrets he did not return to college in Bangalore, India a couple of days earlier.

• Car runs over pedestrians, kills six

He had prolonged his home stay to celebrate his 20th birthday with family and friends, investigative officials quoted him as saying after he surrendered to police Wednesday midnight.[break]




The birthday party was organized at Singh´s home at Khichapokhari. He took out the car to drop off three friends, including an Indian national, at their residences. The three have been identified as Shekhar Agrawal of Chhetrapati, Soji Shrestha of Ombahal and Abhijit, who hails from Assam, India.



"We celebrated the birthday happily. I had some wine, but not much. I am a social drinker. But my friends were in some stupor," said Singh, who claims to have a valid driving license but has not produced it before police as of thursday evening.



According to a briefing by chief of Metropolitan Police Kathmandu Range SP Nawaraj Silwal on Thursday afternoon, the party guests were served wine and whisky.



Once Singh pulled out onto the street just after midnight, the wide stretch of road lured him into gearing up. He told police he was speeding at around 80-90 kmph.



As the car crossed Bir Hospital, Soji Shrestha pointed out a motorbike up close to the left. "I maneuvered the steering a little intending to avoid the bike, but then everything went wrong", Singh said. Police guess Singh mistakably steered left and the horrendous accident ensued.



"The car made a circular turn hitting the railing. I saw one person flung onto the ground. Our minds did not work. The driver´s door did not open. I exited from the other door and fled with my friends," he said.



"We all ran straight to Jamal but did not notice how and when we separated from each other. I went to the home of a friend at Dhalko by taxi. I do not know where the other three took refuge. Later I learnt that six people had died," he told police.



Singh said it was due to fear and confusion that he remained out of contact for 24 hours. "Later I realized there would be no running away," he said in his first statement to police.



Singh contacted his father and brother, who were being held by police for investigations, at around 11 p.m. Wednesday. He arrived to surrender after one hour.



Police say Singh´s friends in the car have pledged to help the investigation and would also be interrogated.



SP Silwal said further investigation will be carried out including mechanical investigations into the speed of the car at the time of the accident.



Police presented Singh before media on Thursday afternoon while a crowd comprising relatives of the victims gathered outside the Range office at Hanumandhoka and chanted slogans demanding public display of the accused.



Singh, who joined a BBM course in Bangalore three months ago, has long hair. He seems to have some scars and injuries from the car crash.