Tragic Accident in Assam Claims Two Lives, Ignites Massive Highway Protest
In a devastating incident that has shocked the community, two young men were killed on the spot when a speeding SUV ploughed into their stationary motorcycle in Kakopathar, Assam. The accident occurred on Friday at Lajum village, leading to a fierce protest by locals that brought traffic on National Highway 15 to a complete standstill for nearly six hours on Saturday.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims, Pranjit Das, aged 21, and Sasanka Moran, aged 22, were sitting on their parked motorcycle by the side of NH-15. The SUV, coming from the Kakopathar direction, barrelled into them with immense force. Locals and bystanders immediately rushed to the scene, providing aid and transporting the injured to a nearby hospital. Tragically, doctors declared both young men dead upon arrival, confirming the severity of the impact.
Pranjit Das was a resident of Kakopathar and served as the goalkeeper for the Kakopathar Football Coaching Centre, while Sasanka Moran hailed from the nearby Teji village. Their untimely deaths have left families and the local community in profound grief.
Arrest and Investigation Underway
The driver of the SUV, who was reportedly in an inebriated condition at the time of the accident, has been taken into custody by the Doomdooma Police. Authorities have seized the vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. This swift action aims to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
Outrage Leads to Highway Blockade
News of the tragic incident spread rapidly through Kakopathar and surrounding areas, fueling widespread anger among residents. By early Saturday morning, outraged locals had gathered in large numbers on NH-15 to launch a road blockade protest. Demonstrators burnt tyres on the highway and raised powerful slogans demanding immediate justice for the victims, along with proper rehabilitation and financial compensation for their grieving families.
One protester at the blockade site expressed the community's fury, stating, "These were young boys with their whole lives ahead of them. One of them was a promising footballer. A drunk driver has robbed two families of everything. We want justice. Not just an arrest, but a conviction and proper support for the families."
Severe Traffic Disruption and Resolution
The demonstration caused severe traffic disruption, with hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway for hours. The blockade was finally lifted after nearly six hours, following assurances from authorities that the matter would be addressed comprehensively and that the affected families would receive necessary support. This resolution helped restore normalcy to the vital transportation route.
This incident highlights critical issues of road safety and the devastating consequences of drunk driving in Assam. It underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and community-driven initiatives to prevent such tragedies in the future.
