A speeding car allegedly ran over three Jain nuns in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two dead and another critically injured. The accused driver fled the scene after the crash and was later arrested by police near Jabalpur following a nearly 270-kilometre chase, according to officials.

Fatal Crash Near Collectorate

The incident took place near the Collectorate office in Rewa, where the three women religious leaders were walking along the roadside. Police said the car lost control before hitting the Jain nuns with force, triggering panic in the area.

One of the victims, identified as Shruti Mati Mata, died on the spot. Another nun, Upasamiti Mata, succumbed to injuries during treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. The third injured nun, Arika Mata, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment, officials said. The Rewa car accident quickly drew attention across the city, with local residents rushing to help the injured immediately after the collision.

Eyewitnesses Recall Impact

Eyewitnesses said the car was moving at high speed when it veered towards the side of the road. The impact threw the victims several feet away, causing severe injuries. People present nearby informed the police and shifted the injured women to hospital with the help of local residents. Traffic movement in the area was briefly affected as crowds gathered at the accident site. According to officials, preliminary findings suggest negligent and rash driving may have led to the crash. The exact circumstances behind the loss of vehicle control are being investigated.

Driver Flees After Incident

After the accident, the accused driver allegedly escaped from Rewa in the same vehicle. Police teams were alerted across districts, and a coordinated search operation was launched. The accused was eventually intercepted near Bahoripar toll plaza in Jabalpur district by Bargi police. Officials said the suspect had travelled nearly 270 kilometres while attempting to evade arrest. Police later informed Rewa authorities and took the accused into custody for further questioning. The vehicle involved in the accident has also been seized for forensic examination.

Jain Community Mourns Loss

The deaths of the Jain nuns triggered grief and anger within the Jain community across the region. Community members gathered at the hospital and local Jain dharamshala soon after news of the tragedy spread.

The bodies of the deceased nuns were kept for final darshan before funeral proceedings were carried out in the presence of community members and followers. Sources indicated that Shruti Mati Mata originally belonged to Sagar district and was on a religious visit to Rewa from Satna at the time of the incident. Religious leaders and local representatives expressed condolences and demanded strict legal action against the accused driver.

Senior Officials Reach Spot

Following the incident, senior administrative and police officials visited both the accident site and the hospital to review the situation. Rewa Commissioner BS Jamod, Deputy Commissioner Narendra Suryavanshi and Superintendent of Police Gurukaran Singh inspected the spot and monitored developments related to the investigation and treatment of the injured nun. Police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain order as large crowds gathered outside the hospital and during the funeral procession.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have registered a case against the accused driver and launched a detailed probe into the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning witnesses to establish the sequence of events. Officials said medical and forensic reports will form a key part of the investigation. The police are also verifying whether the accused was under the influence of alcohol or driving recklessly at the time of the crash. The Rewa car accident has once again raised concerns over speeding and road safety violations in urban areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Road Safety Concerns Rise

The incident has sparked debate over pedestrian safety and enforcement against reckless driving on busy city roads. Residents and social organisations have urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and improve traffic regulation near public offices and crowded stretches. Several members of the Jain community demanded fast-track legal proceedings and stricter punishment in cases involving fatal negligent driving.