In a tragic incident that has cast a pall over Rohtas district, two young teenagers with dreams of joining the police force were killed after being run over by a speeding truck on a national highway. The accident occurred early on Thursday morning during the victims' routine physical training run.
Aspiring Lives Cut Short on NH-119
The victims have been identified as Ashish Kumar (16), son of Janeshwar Prasad, and Ranjan Kumar (17), son of Hulas Yadav. Both were residents of Kalyanpur Bigha village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Rohtas police station. The two friends were diligently preparing for upcoming police recruitment examinations and had made early-morning runs a regular part of their fitness regimen.
According to police reports, the fatal incident took place on the Dehri-Rohtas main road (National Highway 119) near the area known as Murli Camp. A fast-moving truck, operating under a contractor linked to a cement manufacturing company, struck the two youths. The impact was severe. Ranjan Kumar died on the spot. Ashish Kumar sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Rohtas Primary Health Centre, where doctors, unfortunately, declared him dead.
Public Outrage and Highway Blockade
The news of the double tragedy sparked immediate anger and grief among local villagers. In a powerful display of protest against what they perceive as rampant negligence by heavy vehicle drivers, angry residents blocked NH-119. The blockade disrupted traffic flow for nearly two hours, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Many were left with no choice but to abandon their vehicles and walk long distances.
Senior officials, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Rohtas police station, the Block Development Officer, and the Circle Officer, rushed to the scene. They engaged with the protesters, pacified the crowd, and assured the bereaved families of prompt legal action and all possible assistance. Following these assurances, traffic on the crucial highway was restored. The bodies of the two teenagers were later sent to Sasaram Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination after the completion of necessary legal formalities.
Renewed Calls for Road Safety Measures
This heartbreaking incident has once again thrust into sharp focus the long-standing issue of speeding heavy vehicles on highways that pass through populated areas. Local residents have voiced strong demands for stricter enforcement of traffic norms, especially during the early morning hours when roads are used by fitness enthusiasts, walkers, and trainees who are particularly vulnerable.
The deaths of Ashish and Ranjan are not just a statistic; they represent the crushing of aspirations and a profound loss for their families and community. It underscores the urgent need for concrete measures to prevent such preventable tragedies on India's busy highways.
