Agartala, January 23:
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a six-year-old child on Saraswati Puja morning in the Sidhai area of West Tripura district on Friday, sending shockwaves through the local community. The incident occurred at Bijoynagar in the early hours of the day, police officials confirmed.
According to the Officer-in-Charge of Sidhai Police Station, Ajit Kanti Chakma, police received information about the accident shortly after it took place. A team was immediately dispatched to the spot to assess the situation and initiate necessary action. Preliminary investigation revealed that a truck, which was traveling from the Sidhai side towards Mohanpur, hit the minor while he was on the road.
The child sustained critical head injuries in the collision and was rushed to the Mohanpur Primary Health Centre by locals and police personnel. However, despite prompt medical attention, the on-duty doctor declared the child dead upon arrival, plunging the family into grief.
The deceased has been identified as Alankit Sarkar, the six-year-old son of Sribash Sarkar, a resident of the area. The news of the child’s death sparked outrage among local residents, many of whom gathered at the accident site expressing anger and anguish over the incident.
In a sudden outburst of protest, angry locals allegedly set the offending truck on fire. The vehicle, bearing registration number TR 03 B 1912, was completely damaged in the blaze. Meanwhile, the driver of the truck fled the scene immediately after the accident, further aggravating public anger.
Police said that efforts are underway to trace and detain the absconding driver. A case has been registered in connection with the incident, and a detailed investigation is being carried out to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident. Authorities have also appealed to the public to maintain calm and allow the law to take its course, assuring that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
