18-year-old New Town girl dies while learning scooter
Times of India | 3 June 2025
123456 Kolkata: A class XII examinee taking scooter lessons from her friend on a New Town road without wearing a helmet died after she failed to negotiate a speed-breaker and fell on the ground, suffering severe head injuries on Sunday night.The accident happened near the Majherhat shrine in the Rekjuani area in New Town around 10 pm when there were very few vehicles plying on the road. Victim Pooja Saha (18) was a resident of Salua on Rajarhat Main Road, located near the place of accident.CCTV footage showed Saha riding the scooter with unstable hands as her friend, Subhankar Bhowmik, a resident of Narayanpur, was seen guiding her from the pillion seat. Bhowmik was seen wearing a helmet. "It looked like the girl suddenly turned the accelerator in full throttle as she lost control of the two-wheeler, and it began moving at a high speed before it hit the speed breaker," said a senior officer of Bidhannagar City Police.As the accident happened, Saha was flung off the scooter, and her head rammed against the concrete. Bhowmik also fell down, but since he had the helmet strapped on, he escaped with minor injuries. Locals rushed Saha to Rekjuani Rural Health Center with injuries on her head, neck, chest, and abdomen. Doctors declared her dead on arrival at the hospital. Bhowmik was treated for minor injuries.Family members said Saha recently passed higher secondary examination with good scores and was awaiting college admission. "She purchased a new bag and clothes in anticipation, which now remain untouched in her closet. She wanted to pursue graduation in English. She had so many dreams. We were all so proud of her," said a grieving relative. "This loss is unbearable."Airport PS has launched an unnatural death probe. The damaged scooter has been seized and Saha's body sent for post-mortem. "We have been pleading with riders to always wear helmets. If the woman wore the helmet, she could still live," said the officer. "We also urge citizens, especially young and inexperienced riders, to be cautious while operating two-wheelers and avoid late-night rides without supervision or proper training."