Bettiah/Patna: A tragic hit-and-run on Sunday night claimed the life of a 45-year-old retired army personnel, Ramkumar Rai, in Bettiah’s Lauria area, triggering widespread public outrage and violent clashes with the police.
Rai, a resident of Jhiliya village under the Muffasil police station, was on his way to duty as a security guard at the Ramnagar sugar mill when a speeding truck struck him on the Lauria National Highway. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck ran over his head, leaving only his torso intact. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident, abandoning the vehicle.
As news of the accident spread, enraged locals blocked the highway and confronted the police team that arrived at the scene. Attempts to control the crowd escalated into violence, with officers being assaulted. In an effort to contain the situation, Lauria police station in-charge Ramesh Kumar Sharma fired warning shots. Only then was the mob brought under control.
Tensions further escalated when grieving family members arrived at the scene and joined the protest, clashing with the police and causing a prolonged roadblock. During the unrest, Sub-Inspector Sudhir Kumar sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Lauria Community Health Centre. Another officer, Devsharan Mahto, was also assaulted, with a video of the incident surfacing online. The victim’s wife, overcome with grief and anger, was seen grabbing an officer by the collar.
Following the violence, police managed to seize the truck and initiate the post-mortem process after persuading the deceased’s relatives. Ramkumar Rai is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.
The incident has left the area tense. Local police remain deployed and investigations are ongoing. Narakatiganj SDPO Jayprakash Singh confirmed minor injuries to officers and stated that efforts had been made to calm the family and restore order.
