Hazaribagh News: No Entry Policy Under Fire After SP Bodyguard’s Family Dies in Hazaribagh Crash

Hazaribagh Tragedy: School Pickup Turns Fatal

Hazaribagh, November 26, 2024: A harrowing road accident claimed the lives of Leelavati Devi, wife of Koderma SP’s bodyguard Nand Kishor Sahu and their only son, Amar Kumar. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at approximately 3 PM, just 100 meters from DPS School on the Hazaribagh-Barkagaon Road. Amar, a fourth-grade student at DPS School, was returning home with his mother when the tragic accident unfolded.

How the Accident Happened

Leelavati Devi was riding a scooter with Amar after his school day when a speeding Hyva truck crushed them. The collision was so severe that identifying Amar’s remains became a daunting task. His school books and body parts were scattered across the road.

Upon receiving the distressing news, Nand Kishor Sahu rushed to the accident site. The family’s ancestral home is in Bhurkunda, Ramgarh district, while their current residence was recently built in Chhavi Nagar, Sirsi.

Public Outrage and Roadblock

As news of the accident spread, a large crowd gathered at the site, their anger palpable. Furious residents blocked the Hazaribagh-Barkagaon Road near Shankarpur, disrupting traffic for nearly three hours. Protesters vandalized vehicles and physically assaulted the Hyva truck driver.

The primary cause of the public’s outrage was the removal of the “No Entry” restriction for heavy vehicles on the road, despite it being frequented by school and college students.

Police Intervention and Crowd Dispersal

Efforts by law enforcement to calm the agitated crowd proved challenging. Despite attempts at dialogue, the situation escalated, prompting police to use force to disperse the gathering. The bodies of the victims were eventually transported to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College for postmortem examination.

Political and Administrative Response

Local MLA visited the accident site and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Speaking to the media, he assured discussions with the SP regarding reinstating the “No Entry” rule to prevent future accidents. He also committed to ensuring compensation for the bereaved family according to the prevailing norms.

Sadar SDO Ashok Kumar stated that further action would be taken following established procedures, emphasizing the importance of revisiting traffic policies on this accident-prone stretch.

A Grim Reminder of Road Safety Negligence

The tragic deaths of Leelavati Devi and her son Amar Kumar highlight the pressing need for stricter road safety measures. Residents demanded immediate reinstatement of “No Entry” restrictions for heavy vehicles and better enforcement of traffic regulations, especially near schools and residential areas.

This incident underscores the devastating consequences of policy lapses, serving as a stark reminder of the need for proactive governance and public accountability.