Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Protesters shut down NH-38 in Tinsukia on Thursday. Local residents and members of the All Tea Tribes Students’ Association blocked the Makum-Digboi road to demand action. They want compensation for the families of two dead tea garden workers and the immediate arrest of a driver who fled the scene.
A Bajaj NS 125 motorcycle and a Tata 709 truck carrying green tea leaves smashed into each other on Wednesday near Anandabag Balijan. Nathu Karmakar, 26, and Ajay Kalandi, 30, died instantly. Both men lived at Line No. 7 of the Anandabag Tea Estate.
Authorities moved the bodies to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem exams. Protesters left the bodies on the highway for hours while chanting slogans. They claimed local officials ignore road safety protocols.
The blockade backed up traffic for miles. Senior police officials eventually met with the group to negotiate. They promised a full investigation and a manhunt for the driver. "They assured them that efforts were underway to trace and arrest the driver and that the investigation would proceed as per the law."
The demonstration ended once officials gave their word. Police registered a formal case. Officers are now working to pull the ruined motorcycle from under the truck while hunting for the suspect.
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