Guwahati College Student Killed in Late-Night Drunk Driving Crash
A devastating road accident in Guwahati's Panbazar area has resulted in the tragic death of a young college student, highlighting the grave consequences of drunk driving and speeding on city roads. The incident occurred late on Monday night near the Gauhati High Court, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Fatal Collision at High Speed
According to traffic police officials from the Panbazar police station's traffic branch, the accident unfolded when a car traveling from the Bharalumukh side lost control at excessive speed and violently collided with a road divider. The impact was so severe that it caused fatal injuries to one of the passengers, who succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The deceased has been identified as Niha Das, a third-semester student from Radha Govinda Baruah College and a resident of Fatasil Ambari area. Her promising life was cut short in this preventable tragedy that has left her family and friends in profound grief.
Driver Under Influence of Alcohol
Traffic IC Dwijendra Medhi from Panbazar PS's traffic branch provided crucial details about the circumstances surrounding the accident. "She was travelling with four other friends — Akshat Jalan, Omar Sayyad, Parveen Saini and Kayam Saiyed. Neha was on the rear left seat," Medhi stated, painting a picture of the vehicle's occupancy at the time of the crash.
The investigation revealed that Kayam Saiyed was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. "We have arrested Kayam, and as per the law, he was produced before the local court on Tuesday," Medhi confirmed. The police have taken swift legal action against the driver, emphasizing the serious nature of the offense.
Injuries and Vehicle Details
During the horrific crash, another passenger sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention. "During the accident, Akshat also sustained injuries and was rushed to a private hospital for treatment," Medhi added, indicating the broader impact of the incident beyond the fatality.
The vehicle involved, which bears Kamrup Metropolitan registration, has been seized by authorities. An inspection of the vehicle is currently underway as part of the comprehensive investigation into the exact causes and contributing factors of the accident.
Vehicle Ownership and Circumstances
Police investigations revealed that the car was actually a cab belonging to Akash Mandal, who was brought in for questioning regarding the incident. Mandal claimed that the vehicle technically belonged to his brother and that he was using it as a source of income through cab services.
According to Mandal's statement to authorities, "Kayam is my childhood friend and had forcibly taken the vehicle's keys from me. He told me that he would take the vehicle for a short drive and bring it back within an hour. He had also invited me to go with him, but I refused. After the accident, I immediately informed my brother."
Mandal further explained that Kayam had picked up his friends, including the unfortunate Niha Das, from the Kumarpara Panchali area of Guwahati for what was supposed to be a brief late-night drive. This recreational outing turned catastrophic when the intoxicated driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal collision.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and excessive speeding on urban roads. The loss of a young college student with her entire future ahead of her underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and greater public awareness about responsible driving practices.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward against the arrested driver, the Guwahati community mourns the untimely death of Niha Das while grappling with questions about road safety measures that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
