Bihar: Liquor trader killed after being hit by police vehicle in Madhubani

Patna, July 12 (IANS) A liquor trader was killed while another was critically injured after being hit by a Dial 112 police vehicle near Pirokhar Panchayat Bhawan on National Highway 527C in Madhubani’s Madhwapur area on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Rajkishore Mukhiya, while the injured, Sachin Mukhiya, is battling for his life at Sitamarhi Sadar Hospital.

Both were residents of Singiyahi village under the Pupri police station in Sitamarhi district. The incident took place around 5 a.m. on Saturday.

Following the incident, relatives and supporters of the deceased blocked NH 527C for nearly six hours, protesting by burning tyres and erecting barriers on the highway. Due to traffic disruption, a long queue was seen on both sides of the road.

Tension escalated when the police attempted to take the body for post-mortem examination, with the protesting crowd pelting stones at the police, injuring several personnel.

The police had to fire in the air to control the situation.

Amid the chaos, liquor bottles scattered on the road were looted by the crowd, adding to the disorder at the scene.

Following the incident, Madhubani SP Yogendra Kumar suspended Dial 112 officer Chandramohan Singh and the vehicle driver, Chandradeep Shastri.

An FIR under relevant sections of rash and negligent driving leading to the death of a person has been filed against driver Shastri at Madhwapur police station.

DSP Neeraj Kumar Verma and DSP Amit Kumar reached the spot to monitor the situation and pacify the crowd.

Police stated that the youths were allegedly smuggling liquor and were attempting to flee when the Dial 112 vehicle hit them during the chase.

The family of the deceased has demanded strict action against those responsible, alleging recklessness by the Dial 112 team.

SP Yogendra Kumar assured that a thorough investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.

--IANS

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