Surat Truck Drivers Protest Turns Violent, Constable Attacked

A protest by truck drivers in Surat, India, against a new hit-and-run law turned violent, resulting in the attack on a police constable and the arrest of 23 individuals. The incident underscores the tensions surrounding road safety and the legal consequences for negligent driving.

An agitation by truck drivers against the new law on hit-and-run cases turned violent in Gujarat's Surat city on Tuesday, with the protesters attacking a police constable. Following the incident, 23 individuals were arrested, an official said.

Protest and Road Blockade

The incident occurred near Magdalla Port on Dumas Road when a substantial number of truck drivers blocked the road, demanding the withdrawal of the new law on hit-and-run cases. Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone-6 Rajesh Parmar explained that the new law, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, stipulates a jail term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of Rs 7 lakh for severe road accidents resulting from negligent driving and where drivers flee without informing the police.

Attack on Police Constable

As part of their protest, the truck drivers blocked the road and halted a bus passing through that route. In an attempt to control the situation and clear the road, a PCR van of the Surat police arrived at the scene. However, upon reaching the spot, the protesters viciously attacked and thrashed a police constable, as seen in a video that went viral on social media platforms.

Police Response and Arrests

Upon learning about the assault on the police personnel, another team of the Surat police swiftly arrived at the location and managed to bring the situation under control. Deputy Commissioner of Police Parmar stated that an FIR has been registered against a mob of 40 individuals, and 23 of them have been apprehended from the scene on charges of rioting and assaulting an on-duty police officer.

The incident highlights the need for effective communication and engagement between authorities and protesting groups to prevent such violent confrontations. It also underscores the importance of upholding law and order while ensuring the safety and well-being of both citizens and law enforcement personnel.