A 40-year-old man was tragically run over by a speeding coal-laden truck while he was dancing in a wedding procession at Banasadi village in Chatra district late on Tuesday night, police said. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who intercepted the truck, but the driver managed to flee from the spot.
Victim Identified as Labourer from Hazaribag
The deceased has been identified as Ajay Kumar Saw, a resident of Khapariyawa village in Katkamdag block of neighbouring Hazaribag district. He had come to Banasadi to attend a friend's wedding. Saw, a labourer by profession, is survived by his wife and three children.
Road Blockade by Angry Villagers
After the accident, villagers and members of the wedding party blocked the Simaria-Hazaribag main road at around 1 am on Wednesday, demanding compensation for the victim's family. The blockade led to a severe traffic congestion that lasted for several hours.
Police Investigation Underway
Officer in-charge of Simaria police station, Surya Pratap Singh, confirmed that efforts are on to trace the truck driver. He said that the vehicle has been seized and a case has been registered. The police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the accused.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by reckless driving on rural roads, where wedding processions and other public gatherings often take place without adequate safety measures.
