WB: Protest erupts after police jeep kills two

Violence erupted in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district after a police jeep rammed into a motorcycle, killing two. Angry protesters then torched a police vehicle.

Malbazar (WB), Dec 19: Angry protesters on Sunday torched a police vehicle after a police jeep lost control and rammed two motorcycles and a bicycle, killing a CRPF jawan and his pregnant wife, and injuring six others in New Mal area in Jalpaiguri district.

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

The jeep first hit a scooty, killing Shambhu Tirkey, a CRPF jawan and resident of Lislever tea garden area, on the spot, they said. Tirkey's wife, Leena Lakra, who was pillion riding, succumbed to her injuries on the way to 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 killer vehicle, alleging the driver was in an inebriated state.

"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.

PTI