The driver of the excavator fled the scene, and police are actively working to locate him. A senior police officer confirmed that the boy was struck by the excavator and that the driver was at large. “We will investigate the matter and the circumstances surrounding the protests,” the official said.
The incident triggered protests and a tense atmosphere prevailed in the area.
The local police station officer in charge (OC) was also gheraoed by angry protesters.
Later, Kolkata Police Assistant Commissioner Pradeep Ghoshal also faced protests. In the afternoon, Kolkata Police DC (South Suburban) Vidisha Kalita Dasgupta went to the spot.
The Kolkata Police registered three FIRs in connection with the matter, although no arrest has been made yet. The incident also led to a political tussle, with allegations being raised against the local councilor, Anita Kar Majumdar, for her “absence” during the crisis. The BJP, meanwhile, claimed that a woman leader, Ruby Mondal, who was also involved in the protests, was detained by the police “without any apparent reason.”
Later in the day, BJP workers and supporters staged a sit-in protest in front of the police station. Led by Rupa Ganguly, they demanded the immediate release of Ruby Mondal and the arrest of those responsible for the student’s death.
Rupa Ganguly, a former Rajya Sabha MP and member of the National Working Committee of the BJP, said their protest would continue until the culprits are brought to justice. She expressed her deep concern over the “deteriorating” condition of roads in the area, which she indicated may have contributed to the tragic accident.
The incident has also highlighted the urgent need for road repairs and improved infrastructure in Kolkata. The local authorities have been criticised for their negligence in addressing these issues, despite repeated complaints from residents.
Earlier, some protesters vandalised the excavator and payloader machines used for road maintenance and claimed that repeated attempts to bring the deteriorating road conditions to the attention of the local councilor, Anita Kar Majumdar, had fallen on deaf ears.
“The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the student was struck by a JCB machine while on his way to a coaching centre. The road repair work, which had been ongoing for three years, was reportedly responsible for the accident,” said a local teacher.
Additionally, the protesters also criticised police for alleged delayed response. Tensions escalated when a scuffle broke out between the police and the locals, who had surrounded senior officials, demanding action from their elected representatives.
Expressing her condolences over the student’s death, Kolkata Municipal Corporation Ward 113 councillor Majumdar attributed the accident to the ongoing drainage and road construction work. She stated that the JCB machine was present at the site due to these activities and that the responsibility for the incident lies with the contractor.
— With PTI Inputs
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