Kolkata: Agarpara resident Samir Ranjan Das (45), riding a cycle on BT Road, was crushed under the wheels of a Barrackpore-bound private bus as it raced with another one of the same route. Four persons were injured in the accident that took place around 8.30 am on Thursday near Dhan Kol More in Sodpur.
The bus was seized but its driver and helper fled. Protests disrupted traffic for over an hour and the situation was brought under control only after senior officers from the Barrackpore Commissionerate reached the spot.
Witnesses said the two buses on Esplanade-Barrackpore Route 78 were racing on BT Road when one of them control, hit the cyclist, rammed into a motorcycle and finally, a stationary auto. Das and four others were taken to Sagor Dutta Hospital in Kamarhati. Doctors declared Das ‘brought dead', while the four are admitted. The biker's condition is stated to be critical.
A Barrackpore Commissionerate officer said, "The bus is seized. A search is on for the driver and conductor."
The incident sparked protests. "Accidents have become frequent here. Strict cop action is needed" said Krishnendu Bose, a cable operator.