KKN Gurugram Desk | In a tragic road accident that has sent shockwaves through the residents of Bihta in Patna district, a high-speed truck ran over a man and his minor brother-in-law near Kanhauli-Sarmera Golambar. The crash occurred under the jurisdiction of Bihta Police Station, late Monday evening.
Victims Identified: Breadwinner and Minor Nephew Killed Instantly
The deceased have been identified as Arvind Kumar, 40, a resident of Panathi, and his 13-year-old brother-in-law Monu Kumar. Arvind was reportedly riding a motorbike with his wife and Monu on their way to his in-laws’ house when the incident took place.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the speeding truck crushed the bike from the front with such force that both Arvind and Monu died instantly on the spot. Arvind’s wife, who was riding pillion, suffered serious injuries and has been admitted to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Accident Details: What Exactly Happened?
According to preliminary investigations by Bihta Police, Arvind was riding on the State Highway connecting Patna to Arrah. Near Kanhauli Golambar, a heavily-loaded truck, traveling from Patna towards Arrah, lost control or was speeding beyond limit when it hit the motorbike.
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Impact: The truck ran directly over the bike
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Deaths on the spot: Arvind and Monu
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Injured: Arvind’s wife, condition critical
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Loaded truck: Contained commercial goods
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Truck fled the scene but was later intercepted by the police
Police Action: Driver Detained, Truck Seized
Following the accident, local residents and passers-by immediately alerted the authorities. The Bihta Police acted swiftly, launching a chase and successfully intercepting the truck a few kilometers away. The driver has been taken into custody and the vehicle seized for forensic examination.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC related to rash driving, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and attempt to flee the accident scene. Police officials confirmed that the driver will be produced in court after interrogation.
Family Devastated: Arvind Was Sole Earning Member
The accident has left the family of the deceased devastated and financially crippled. Arvind Kumar was reportedly the only breadwinner in his family, working in the private sector to support his aging parents, wife, and two young children.
The sudden demise has brought a wave of mourning across Panathi village, with locals demanding strict punishment for the negligent driver and better safety measures on the Patna-Arrah route.
Locals Speak Out: Demand for Speed Control and Traffic Regulation
The residents of Kanhauli and Bihta region have long complained about overspeeding trucks and lack of traffic police presence on this key highway. Following this incident, several local citizens gathered at the site of the accident and demanded the installation of speed-breakers, CCTV cameras, and permanent traffic outposts.
Quotes from locals:
“This is not the first time a truck has caused deaths here. The administration wakes up only after someone dies,” said Rajeev Sharma, a local shopkeeper.
“We fear stepping out in the evening with children. These highways have become racing tracks for truck drivers,” added Sunita Devi, a resident nearby.
Recurring Tragedies on Bihar Highways: A Growing Concern
Bihar has seen a sharp rise in road accidents over the past year, particularly involving heavy commercial vehicles. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2023 alone, over 6,000 road fatalities were reported from Bihar, with overspeeding accounting for over 60% of them.
The Patna-Arrah highway has emerged as a particularly accident-prone zone, with many cases of hit-and-run, truck collisions, and biker fatalities being reported regularly.
Why Are Accidents Like These Increasing?
Experts cite several reasons:
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Poor enforcement of speed limits
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Lack of dividers and dedicated lanes for two-wheelers
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Driver fatigue and negligence
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Insufficient lighting and reflective signage at night
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Untrained or overworked drivers operating commercial trucks
Legal Outlook: What Charges Can the Truck Driver Face?
As per legal experts, the truck driver may be charged under:
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Section 279 – Rash driving or riding on a public way
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Section 304A – Causing death by negligence
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Section 337/338 – Causing hurt/grievous hurt by endangering life
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Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act – Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person
If proven guilty, the driver could face up to 2 to 7 years of imprisonment, fines, and permanent cancellation of driving license.
Administration’s Response
As of now, the district administration has promised compensation for the family under Chief Minister’s Accident Relief Scheme, although official confirmation is awaited. Police have also confirmed that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to determine if the truck company followed all safety norms.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Accidents?
To reduce similar tragedies, road safety experts suggest:
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Installing speed monitoring radars
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Deploying traffic police units at accident-prone zones
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Making speed governors mandatory in commercial vehicles
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Conducting random checks for fitness and driver sobriety
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Enhancing public awareness about road discipline
This unfortunate incident is yet another grim reminder of how negligence on highways can lead to irreversible loss. While the government has introduced several safety measures on paper, their ground-level execution remains questionable.
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