Arson follows mishap

Jabalpur, Jan 22 (UNI) Irate villagers have torched a truck and tractor involved in the death of a motorcycle-borne youth in this district's Ajraud village, the police said.

Benikhada-resident Balkishan was returning home last night from the privately-owned medicine shop where he worked when he was knocked down by an overtaking truck and then crushed by a tractor coming from the opposite direction.

Several villagers gathered on the scene, targeted the vehicles, placed the body on the road and staged a three-hour blockade that was lifted following an assurance by senior administrative officials that the drivers would be speedily arrested and Rs 5,000 paid as ex-gratia.

UNI