Protest erupts after youth's death in road accident in Patna, bus set ablaze

A fatal road accident in Patna City triggered violent protests on Friday after a youth was allegedly run over by a speeding bus near Zero Mile. The agitation saw the blocking of National Highway-30, arson and clashes between protesters and police.

The incident took place near Pahari Pump House under the Agam Kuan police station area. According to police, the victim, identified as Manish Kumar, died at the spot after being struck by the bus. The driver allegedly fled from the scene immediately after the accident.

News of the death angered local residents and the victim’s family members, who gathered at the site and demanded action against those responsible. Protesters blocked NH-30, causing major disruption to traffic on the busy route.

The demonstrators alleged that speeding vehicles were responsible for frequent accidents in the area and accused the authorities of failing to take adequate steps to improve road safety.

Protest escalates into violence

The situation deteriorated as the protest intensified. An angry crowd allegedly set the bus involved in the accident on fire and also torched three police vehicles.

Police teams reached the spot and attempted to bring the situation under control. However, protesters reportedly resisted efforts to clear the highway, leading to clashes between the two sides.

Additional security personnel were subsequently deployed to prevent the situation from escalating further and restore traffic movement.

Journalists covering the protest were also reportedly attacked. According to reports, some media personnel were assaulted while recording the developments at the site.

Separate probes launched

Police have initiated separate investigations into the fatal accident and the subsequent violence.

Officials said CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings and other available evidence are being examined to identify those allegedly involved in arson, vandalism, attacks on police personnel and assaults on journalists.

Police said legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for the violence.

Security has been strengthened in the area to prevent further disturbances. Meanwhile, the victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination and the family has been informed.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and traffic enforcement in accident-prone stretches of Patna, while the police investigation will now focus on both the circumstances of the fatal crash and the violence that followed.

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