18 killed in dumpers' rampage in Rajasthan, minister blames cosmic forces

Jaipur,UPDATED: Nov 7, 2025 18:52 IST

At least 18 people lost their lives in a series of road accidents across five districts of Rajasthan on November 5, most involving dumpers and other heavy vehicles, prompting questions about road safety and enforcement in the state. However, a senior BJP leader attributed the incidents to planetary alignments, downplaying any administrative responsibility.

In Jaipur, a dumper struck a man on Phagi road, killing him on the spot, while another dumper driver, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed into an auto on Sirsi road. These incidents occurred just days after a major accident in Harmada, where 14 people were killed when a dumper ran over them.

Responding to the series of accidents, Rajasthan minister Jogeshwar Garg said that the incidents were the result of planetary alignments rather than administrative shortcomings, while authorities confirmed that investigations into all reported cases are currently in progress.

“According to astrological knowledge, dumper drivers have become intoxicated due to planetary influences, and the police and transport department have become ineffective for the same reasons,” Garg said.

Garg added, "Now think, on a single day in 5 districts, at least 4 to 5 dumpers were on the move. It seems as if people are being crushed like insects. And who knows how many more will be crushed."

Meanwhile, in Pali district, a Scorpio lost control after crossing a divider and collided with a mini truck coming from the opposite direction. The vehicle caught fire and its owner died inside before he could escape.

Another crash on Sojat Highway (NH-162) involved a dumper that hit a trailer from behind with such force that the dumper driver was trapped in the cabin and had to be rescued by local residents.

In another incident, a speeding dumper ran over three people in front of Maniya police station in Dholpur. In Jhunjhunu, a trailer driver allegedly driving under the influence hit a tractor-trolley and later a car in Nawalgarh town, causing chaos in the busy market area.

In Surajgarh, a Thar vehicle hit a woman as she stepped out of a shop, throwing her several feet away. Separate incidents were also reported from Jodhpur, where 11 people died in a cylinder blast, and from Jaisalmer, where an army tank was damaged after coming into contact with an overhead electric wire.

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