Bengal: Police jeep rams into two-wheelers; CRPF jawan, pregnant wife killed

Protesters torched a police vehicle after a police jeep lost control and rammed into two-wheelers and a bicycle, killing a CRPF jawan and his pregnant wife, and injuring six others in New Mal area of Jalpaiguri district.

The incident happened on Sunday evening when the police jeep, carrying three police personnel, was going to Malbazar from Odlabari and the driver lost control of the vehicle on National Highway 31, police said.

The jeep first hit a two-wheeler, killing Shambhu Tirkey -- a CRPF jawan and resident of Lislever tea garden area --on the spot, police said.

Tirkey’s wife Leena Lakra, who was pillion-riding, succumbed to her injuries on the way to the Malbazar hospital.

The CRPF jawan had taken his pregnant wife, an ICDS worker, for medical check up and was returning home when the incident happened, police said.

After hitting the scooty, the jeep hit a motorbike and then a bicycle, injuring Nisha Kheria, Tanjul Islam, Ketla Munda, Rajesh Busphor and two others.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital.

Soon after the incident, residents blocked the National Highway and pelted stones at passing vehicles. They also torched the police jeep and accused the driver of being under the influence of alcohol.

“The driver fled the spot after the incident. The three police personnel in the jeep have also sustained minor injuries. A large police contingent has been sent to the area to keep the situation under control and lift the road blockade.”

“Investigations are on the ascertain the reason behind the incident and trace the driver,” a senior district police officer said.

Meanwhile, two police personnel were injured after the protesters pelted stones at the police contingent.

“Five rounds of tear gas shells had to be lobbed to control the unruly mob. We have arrested one of the agitators. The security personnel are camping there to keep the situation under control,” the officer added.