Accident and Immediate Aftermath
In Uttar Pradesh's Mau district, a fatal road accident on the busy Varanasi-Gorakhpur national highway at Pidhwal market under Ghosi police station limits led to hours of chaos on Saturday. Shanti Devi, 60, was killed when an unidentified speeding vehicle struck her while she crossed the highway through an informal passage created by cutting the divider. She died on the spot.
Villagers Block Highway with Body
Soon after the incident, hundreds of villagers gathered at the site, placed Shanti Devi's body on the highway, and blocked traffic in both directions, causing long vehicle queues. The blockade disrupted movement for hours.
Clash with Police
When police attempted to clear the blockade and move the body for post-mortem, the situation escalated. According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anoop Kumar, some unruly elements instigated the deceased's family members to maintain the road blockade. Protesters pelted stones at police personnel, forcing them to briefly withdraw. Police later used mild force to disperse the crowd, restored traffic, and sent the body for post-mortem.
Demand for Safe Crossing
Local residents said accidents are frequent at Pidhwal market because people living on either side of the highway must cross the busy road. In the absence of a safe crossing, villagers created an opening in the divider, which has been used for years. Villagers alleged that repeated demands for an underpass or foot overbridge have been ignored by authorities. They claimed the accident could have been avoided with proper safe movement arrangements.
Police Action
Police have registered a case and are tracing the unidentified vehicle involved. ASP Anoop Kumar said legal action will also be taken against those responsible for blocking the highway, pelting stones at police, and obstructing government work.
