BAHAWALPUR: Tragedy struck the 21st Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally when a police officer on duty was fatally hit by a jeep during the event on Friday. The accident happened near Jamgarh mid-point. ASI Muhammad Bashir Ahmed Joyia, assigned to security duties, died on the spot after racer Faisal Shadikhel’s vehicle skidded off the track and ran him over. Other officials narrowly escaped harm by quickly moving out of the jeep’s path. ASI Bashir was stationed at Shahr Farid Police Station. Following the accident, police registered a case against Shadikhel. The Marrot Police Station filed FIR No 46/26 under Section 322 (manslaughter) and Section 379 (theft) of the PPC on the complaint by SI Riaz Shahid. The complaint accused Shadikhel of negligence causing the deadly crash on a turn. Despite the tragedy, Shadikhel was noted as the unofficial winner of the first round in the prepared category. His victory was seen as a surprise since he was third in the qualifying round on Thursday. Unofficial results reported that Shadikhel completed 236 km in 1 hour and 43 minutes. Mir Jaffar Magsi and Hussain Asif finished second and third. Magsi had secured second place in qualifying. The final round of the prepared category is set for Sunday, marking the end of the rally.