Truck runs over two including journalist in Chakradharpur

Villagers block road for several hours demanding compensation

Mail News Service

Chakradharpur, June 1: A speeding truck ran over a journalist, Sudam Pradhan, and his friend Kashi Sahu in Asantalia, Chakradharpur, (West Singhbhum) on Wednesday. Both victims succumbed to critical injuries at the scene.

Sources said the victims were out on the road on morning walk when the tragedy occurred. Irked over the incident, local residents blocked the Chaibasa-Ranchi road (National Highway 75) and Chakradharpur-Sonua-Goelkera-Manoharpur road for hours demanding compensation for the next of kin of the deceased and arresting of the errant truck driver.

A long queue of vehicles was seen on the highway. The villagers did not allow even cyclists to cross the barricade put up by them on the highway. A large number of villagers were caught in the blockade. They waited endlessly for the blockade to end.

District administration officials assured to give Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and ex gratia of Rs 20,000 to them besides Rs 25,000 as compensation in hit-and-run case and other benefits.

The truck that ran over the victims carried coal. It was finally seized in Seraikela.

Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda and Singhbhum MP Geeta Koda said Sudam Pradhan was a bright and dedicated journalist. They said his demise had dealt a blow to the society.

MLA Deepak Birua too, expressed grief over the incident. He said Sudam Pradhan was popular for unbiased journalism.