JAMMU: In a significant breakthrough, Jammu Police have arrested Manan Anand, a 20-year-old youth from Nanak Nagar, in connection with a horrific road rage incident that left an elderly man critically injured.

The accused had been on the run for two days after the incident occurred near Green Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar.

According to police officials, the accused was tracked down and arrested during late-night raids in the city area. His arrest comes amid growing public outrage over the brutal nature of the crime.

Initially thought to be a case of reckless driving, CCTV footage and an eyewitness account painted a darker picture. Investigations revealed that after initially hitting the 68-year-old victim with his Thar SUV, the driver allegedly reversed the vehicle and hit him again, causing grievous injuries.

"Swift action, sharp pursuit. The absconding driver in the road rage case that caused public anger has been arrested. Justice may take time, but it never loses its way," said Ajay Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Jammu South, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Due to the severity of his condition, the injured elderly man was on Tuesday referred to Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh. His condition remains critical.

The Gandhi Nagar Police Station has registered an FIR under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to attempt to commit murder, a serious non-bailable offense.

The father of the accused, who is the registered owner of the vehicle, was also detained earlier, and the vehicle was seized.

In a parallel development, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Jammu, has cancelled the registration of the vehicle used in the crime, sending a strong message against the misuse of high-end vehicles in rash or criminal driving.