Budding singer Suman Mahanta among 11 killed in Assam road accident

GUWAHATI: In a tragic road accident early on Wednesday, 11 musicians died when the mini-bus they were travelling in collided head-on with a speeding goods truck coming from the opposite direction on NH-37 at Dhupdhara in Goalpara district, some 80 km from the capital. Nine members of the musical troupe, including upcoming singer Suman Mahanta, died on the spot. While two others succumbed to their injuries while being taken to the hospital, sound technician Gautam Sarma survived. He is undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital and is reported to be stable.The accident occurred at around 5am on Wednesday when Suman and 12 others were returning to Guwahati in a mini-bus after performing at a Bihu cultural programme in Goalpara's Matia area."The accident occurred as the drivers of both the mini-bus and the truck were driving rashly. Though the truck tried to flee the spot, we succeeded in nabbing it. The truck driver received serious injuries and is undergoing treatment. We have also nabbed the truck's handymen," said a Dhupdhara police officer. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi expressed condolence and announced compensation for the deceased's kin. Goalpara district deputy commission Preetom Saikia ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident.Co-singer Bobita Sarma, who was part of the troupe, but was travelling in a separate vehicle with her family, said, "We performed till 4.30 am and were returning home. Their vehicle was some 100 m ahead of ours when we saw it collide with a truck. We tried to help them, but could not save them. Suman was like my brother and we were planning a music video together. It's the most horrible experience of my life." Suman, who was known for his talent, hailed from Tezpur and was working on several musical projects. Three of the deceased taught music in the city's South Point School. Meanwhile, artists and musicians organized a condolence meet and paid homage to the deceased at the Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Sthall in Jalukbari. Artists also demanded a ban on late night music shows in Assam. "Many artists have met with such accidents. Bihu committees force us to perform till the wee hours. After doing such late night shows, artists feel tired and travelling becomes risky. We demand that such late night functions be banned," said Jubilee.