A 27-year-old woman lost her life during a car accident on Sunday night in Panagarh, West Bengal. According to reports the woman, an event management professional from Chandannagar, Hooghly, tried to escape from several intoxicated men before the accident took place. The woman was accompanied by four colleagues while on a trip to Bihar’s Gaya. Following the accident that caused their car to roll over, the woman suffered fatal injuries while her three travelling companions survived with minimal injuries.
What Happened According to Victim’s Driver
Rajdeo Sharma, the car’s driver, has reported that five men in a white car were harassing them just before the devastating crash. During their vehicle stop at a fuel station, the men started with lewd actions and followed them on the highway. During the chase, the victim’s car had multiple collisions resulting in it overturning and getting rammed from behind near Panagarh. The car lost control and the woman faced fatal injuries.
Police Rejects Harassment Claims
The police have rejected harassment claims made by the victim’s companions and family members because the recorded CCTV videos fail to provide evidence. Initial investigation by Asansol-Durgapur Police reveals that the victim’s car was behind the white vehicle, which was allegedly being used by the harassers. The victim allegedly attempted to overtake the vehicle while driving but their car collided before the vehicle overturned. The police have stated that the incident resulted from road rage instead and not due to harassment.
Family Criticises Police Investigation
The victim’s family, including her mother, has strongly criticised the police investigation, accusing them of failing to ensure proper safety measures. The deceased’s mother, who has recently lost her husband to cancer, demanded justice and stern action against those responsible. She also expressed discontent with the law and order situation in the state.
The fatal incident has ignited a wave of political condemnation against the Mamata Banerjee government which has come under criticism for failing to protect women’s safety in West Bengal. The police have confiscated both vehicles linked to the accident but no one has been arrested yet. Investigation is going on to find out the specific events surrounding the crash.
