Huge political uproar in Tirat after accident, several vehicles set on fire
The Statesman | 1 April 2026
Vehicles were torched and stones pelted by angry locals after a sand-laden truck ran over a youth in Raniganj. Residents alleged that overloaded and illegal sand trucks ply dangerously along the banks of the Damodar river in Tirat on a daily basis.
Amid the election atmosphere, a major incident has come to light in Tirat, located in the rural area of Raniganj under the Asansol South Assembly constituency. Near a sand ghat, a tribal youth was seriously injured after being hit by a sand-laden vehicle.
According to local sources, the youth’s condition was critical and he was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment. However, he later died during treatment at a hospital in Durgapur. As soon as news of his death spread, widespread anger erupted in the area.
Hundreds of people gathered at the spot and began protesting. Angry locals vandalised several vehicles and set some on fire, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear across the region.
Upon receiving the information, police from Raniganj Police Station and a team from the Nimcha outpost of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) reached the spot and attempted to bring the situation under control. Considering the seriousness of the situation, additional police forces have been deployed.
The incident has also triggered political reactions. BJP leader and Asansol South candidate Agnimitra Paul reached the site and staged a protest. She demanded strict action against the sand ghat owner, proper treatment for the injured (before his death), and compensation for the victim’s family.
At present, tension continues to prevail in the area. Police are closely monitoring the situation and have initiated an investigation into the matter. A few persons have been detained from the spot.