Rajshahi, 25 January: Tensions flared in Putia Upazila yesterday evening after a tragic road accident prompted an angry crowd to turn on police officers at the scene. The incident left several police personnel, including the officer-in-charge (OC) of Belpukur Police Station and a sub-inspector (SI), trapped by the furious mob for nearly an hour.
A spokesperson for the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), Gaziur Rahman, confirmed the incident to The Daily Star on Monday. According to him, the accident occurred on the Rajshahi-Natore highway in the Pallapukur area.
Accident Details
A bus collided with a rickshaw, killing a student of Barendra University instantly at the scene. At least seven others sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital. Tragically, during treatment, an additional male and female victim succumbed to their injuries. The injured included both university students and local residents.
In the aftermath of the accident, grieving students and local residents blocked the highway in protest, accusing the police of aiding the main driver in fleeing the scene.
Police Presence and Crowd Reaction
When a police team, led by the OC of Belpukur Police Station, arrived at the scene, the agitated crowd detained them for nearly an hour. During this period, the OC was verbally abused, and one SI was reportedly manhandled.
Gaziur Rahman stated, “By the time police arrived, the driver had already fled. The bus was later abandoned at a nearby filling station. A rumour circulated among the crowd, causing police officers to be trapped temporarily.” He added that the officers were eventually rescued after approximately one hour.
Law Enforcement Measures
According to Rahman, the bus involved in the collision has already been impounded. Preparations are underway to file a case regarding the accident, and efforts to apprehend the driver continue.
Preliminary Accident Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Putia Upazila, Rajshahi |
| Time | Yesterday evening |
| Fatalities | 3 (1 at scene, 2 in hospital) |
| Injured | At least 7 |
| Vehicles Involved | Bus, rickshaw |
| Police Action | Bus impounded, case preparation underway, driver pursuit ongoing |
The accident caused widespread traffic congestion and heightened tensions in the area. Locals claim that, although police responded swiftly, public frustration escalated due to the driver’s escape.