|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Public Altercation on National Highway 19
A disturbing incident unfolded on National Highway 19 in West Bengal where a civic volunteer and a truck driver engaged in a violent physical altercation. The incident, which took place in broad daylight, has quickly gone viral across social media platforms, raising serious concerns about law and order on the state’s roadways.
Incident Details and Escalation
Eyewitnesses report that the conflict began when the civic volunteer stopped a truck during a restricted no-entry period on the Kolkata-bound stretch near Budbud bypass in Bardhaman district. The volunteer allegedly demanded a bribe from the driver, who refused. Aggression escalated swiftly with the civic volunteer assaulting the truck driver, inflicting a head injury. The driver retaliated by striking the volunteer repeatedly with his slippers in front of onlookers. The situation worsened as other truck drivers joined the confrontation, causing chaos and major traffic disruption.
Police Inaction and Public Outcry
Observers noted a lack of immediate intervention by police officers present at the scene, which has further fueled public frustration. Social media backlash and condemnations from political leaders followed swiftly. BJP leader Raman Sharma criticized the West Bengal government, highlighting this incident as proof of deteriorating law enforcement and demanding resignations from key state officials.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing road safety, unchecked extortion attempts by unauthorized volunteers, and increasing public violence. It calls for stronger police presence, clearer regulation of civic volunteers, and swift judicial action to restore public confidence and ensure safety on critical highways.The violent confrontation on NH 19 serves as a stark example of the urgent need for systemic reforms in road governance and public order in West Bengal.
