Garhwa (IANS): Violent clashes erupted in Garhwa town on Wednesday after a road accident claimed the life of a local youth, leaving the area in a state of high tension.
The conflict escalated when police used batons to disperse an agitated crowd. In retaliation, protesting villagers pelted stones at the security forces, severely damaging a police vehicle.
The Incident
The unrest began after an unidentified vehicle struck and killed 20-year-old Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Jurha village. The accident occurred near Ramgarh Mor on the Garhwa-Nagar Untari main road, which is currently undergoing upgrades into a four-lane highway. Witnesses say a speeding vehicle rammed into Pankaj’s two-wheeler while he was heading to the market, killing him instantly.
Protest and Escalation
The death sparked immediate outrage. Hundreds of villagers blocked key intersections, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, bringing all local traffic to a complete standstill. The protesters demanded the driver’s immediate arrest and accused the road construction company of negligence.
While police initially rushed to the spot to pacify the crowd, talks failed. Tensions boiled over when officers used “mild force” to clear the road. The move angered the villagers, who then resorted to stone-pelting and targeted police property.
Administrative Response
Authorities have deployed a heavy police force to the area to restore order. Meanwhile, local leaders including District Council Chairperson Shanti Devi and JMM leaders Tahir Ansari and Deepak Pratap Dev visited the site. They expressed condolences to the bereaved family and backed the villagers’ demands, urging the district administration to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
Police have launched a detailed investigation to identify the hit-and-run vehicle and arrest the driver.
