Schoolgirl mowed down by sand-laden tractor in Dumka

Dumka: A 15-year-old girl was mowed down by an overloaded sand-laden tractor near Sitpadadi village in Dumka district on Tuesday.Witnesses said that the Class 10 student, identified as Arti Kumari, was on her way to school on a bicycle around 8am when the speeding tractor hit her. "I saw the tractor crushing the girl under its wheels," said a local. The driver left the vehicle and fled the scene.The incident triggered protest by students and villagers. They blocked the road raising slogans against the administration for being negligent towards the transportation of illegal sand."It's not less than a murder by the sand syndicate engaged in loot of mineral. They are being patronised by the administration and local representatives," said a protestor."Illegal sand mining and transportation is going on unabated but the administration and police are mute spectators,” another protestor added.Dumka circle officer Amar Kumar, who reached the spot to pacify protestors, had a tough time till evening. Later, following an assurance of suitable legal action against the owner and the driver, protestors decided to clear the blockade."An FIR has been lodged, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the sand loaded in the vehicle was procured legally or not," the CO told TOI.