Bus mows down Berhampore resident

The incident triggered tension in the area after some local people went on a rampage, ransacking the state-run bus. Police said that the victim was trying to cross the road at Jiadara area when the Sherpur-bound bus knocked him down.

Eyewitnesses told police that the bus driver had applied sudden brake but failed to control the vehicle due to its high speed.

The accident took place at around 9 am on Monday. The bus driver fled from the spot immediately after the accident, leaving the vehicle at the accident site. An irate mob ransacked the bus. They tried to set the bus on fire but it was prevented due to timely intervention of the senior police officers in the district.

The local residents rushed the injured victim to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital where the doctors pronounced him brought dead.

Following the incident, local residents staged a demonstration in the area, leading to a traffic jam on the Berhampore-Sherpur Road in the morning. Traffic movement was resumed after the demonstration was lifted, following the intervention of police officers.

The local residents alleged that the accident took place as a dumper was parked at the side of the road. As a result, the victim could not see the bus while crossing the road, alleged the locals. The local people also alleged that vehicles often remain parked on the roadside, flouting traffic norms, leading to road accidents.

Police have started a probe in this regard and are conducting raids to nab the bus driver who has been absconding since the incident took place.