An e-rickshaw driver died in a truck collision in Jokihat, Araria. Outraged villagers blocked the road and vandalized a police vehicle. The situation was brought under control with the help of the MLA, and traffic was restored.
Araria: An e-rickshaw driver died in a road accident in Jokihat, Araria district of Bihar on Monday, sparking outrage in the region. According to information, a speeding truck collided with an e-rickshaw on the Araria-Siliguri NH 327E, causing the driver to sustain injuries and die on the spot. A woman traveling in the e-rickshaw was critically injured and was immediately referred to Jokihat Referral Hospital and later to a higher medical center in Purnea.
Immediately after the accident, locals became enraged and began protesting by placing the deceased's body on the road. Protesters blocked the road for four hours, causing long queues of vehicles on the NH and significant inconvenience to general commuters.
Villagers attacked police after the accident
Following the accident, irate villagers attempted to stop the police and vandalized a police vehicle that arrived at the scene. Locals stated that the administration was not taking necessary steps to prevent road accidents. Despite the presence of police force and local administration, the villagers did not calm down, and the road remained obstructed.
The situation calmed down when Shahnawaz Alam, former minister of the Bihar government and local MLA, arrived at the scene. He spoke with the protesters, explained the situation, and announced financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to the deceased's family. Following this, road traffic was normalized late in the evening.
Demand for flyover construction in Jokihat intensifies again
After this accident, the demand for flyover construction in Jokihat gained momentum again. MLA Shahnawaz Alam stated that Jokihat market, adjacent to NH 327E, has always been a crowded area, leading to frequent accidents. He mentioned that the demand for flyover construction was also raised during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's progress yatra.
The MLA further informed that the administrative process for flyover construction is ongoing, and construction is likely to begin soon. He believes that the construction of the flyover will not only ease traffic but also reduce the number of accidents in the future.
Financial aid from MLA to the deceased's family
MLA Shahnawaz Alam expressed his condolences to the deceased's family and provided financial assistance of Rs 25,000 from his own funds. He assured that the family would receive government benefits and other necessary support. Meanwhile, the police have also initiated an investigation into the matter and are identifying the truck driver to take appropriate legal action.
Former MP Sarfaraz Alam also arrived at the scene and inquired about the condition of the injured woman. The administration has decided to enhance security measures following this accident and plans to strictly enforce traffic rules to prevent road accidents.
