West Bengal: SUV hits kanwariyas near Bagdogra, teen among six killed

DARJEELING: A group of kanwariyas was run over by a speeding SUV near Bagdogra on NH-31 early on Monday, killing at least six of them and leaving seven injured.

Among those who died was a 17-year-old boy, a civic volunteer and four others from two villages under Phansidewa block. The injured seven included two kanwariyas, the car driver and four occupants of the vehicle. They have been admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Two pilgrims had a miraculous escape.

The kanwariyas said the 10 of them had left home at 5am and were on their way to Junglee Baba Temple in Bagdogra to perform 'jalabhishek' of Lord Shiva when the SUV hit them from behind.

Haridas Burman, a kanwariya and a resident of Houdijote, said: "We were going in a line and six of us were walking in front. There were two in the middle and I was at the back along with a friend. Suddenly, an SUV struck the six men from behind. All of them were killed on the spot. The vehicle must have been travelling at over 80 km/hr and it also hit 14 pillars before veering off the road."

Police have identified the deceased as Govind Chowdhury, Amlesh Chowdhury and Himesh Roy Chowdhury - all residents of Gokuljote - and Kanak Burman, Pranab Roy and Prahlad Roy from Houdijote.

Burman said Govind, Amlesh and Himesh belonged to the same family. Prahlad was a civic volunteer posted at Kawakhali as a traffic guard. "Prahlad was supposed to join duty after the puja but lost his life. Himesh was a Class X student," he added. Police said the incident occurred around 6am on NH-31. "According to preliminary investigations, it seems the driver lost control of the vehicle as he fell asleep. However, we are yet to ascertain the cause," said a senior police officer.


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