CSE head Sunita Narain hit by car, undergoes surgery

NEW DELHI: Environmental activist Sunita Narain was hit by a car while cycling to Lodi gardens in central Delhi from Green Park around 6am on Sunday. She sustained serious injuries on her face, nose and both arms, and underwent an eight-and-a-half hour surgery at AIIMS trauma centre during which two rods were implanted in her arms.

Narain, who heads the NGO, Centre for Science and Environment, cycles every day to Lodi gardens where she works out or jogs. On Sunday, she was hit under the AIIMS flyover, according to CSE's administration head Jagdeep Gupta, who was called by passersby who took Narain to the hospital. An FIR has been registered at Hauz Khas police station.

"She is out of danger now. But she has very serious injuries in her face, nose and arms," said Gupta, adding that she suffered multiple fractures on her arms. Her nose was badly fractured and would need a plastic surgery. Narain's family too were informed by people who took her to hospital.

"She cycles every day with her trainer. It's part of her routine. We got to know about the accident in the afternoon. She was in surgery," said Souparno Banerjee, program director, media resource centre.

Senior doctors at AIIMS trauma centre confirmed that she is stable. "She has sustained fractures but is stable and recovering now."

"There were people from the police at the hospital. I gave them an application but I am not sure if a case has been registered. We were very busy and couldn't follow up. I am sure the police can check from CCTV footage," said Jagdeep.