Highway Blocked in Hazaribag as Public Anger Erupts Over Ram Navami Stabbing Death
Public anger spilled onto National Highway 522 in Hazaribag on Tuesday following the tragic death of a man who was undergoing treatment for stabbing injuries sustained during the Ram Navami procession in March. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice in the community.
Locals Block Highway with Victim's Body, Demand Compensation
Frustrated locals took to NH-522, blocking the crucial highway with the body of Gulab Kumar Saw as they demanded justice and compensation for his death. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, leaving commuters stranded on both sides of the road for an extended period.
The victim, Gulab Kumar Saw, was a resident of Irga village and had been receiving treatment at a private hospital since the March incident. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday, which triggered the subsequent public demonstration.
Widespread Shutdown and Official Response
In solidarity with the protest, most shops in the Daru block area remained shut during the demonstration, amplifying the impact of the highway blockade. The situation prompted immediate official attention with multiple authorities rushing to the scene.
Block Development Officer Haroon Rashid, Circle Officer Ram Balak Kumar, and Officer-in-Charge Md Iqbal Hussain all arrived at the protest site to engage with the agitators. They held urgent talks with the demonstrators in an attempt to address their concerns and restore normalcy to the highway.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions following the Ram Navami procession incident in March and raises questions about justice for victims of such violence. The highway blockade serves as a stark reminder of how unresolved community grievances can escalate into public demonstrations that disrupt daily life and transportation networks.
