Samastipur: The grief-stricken residents of Hasanpur village in Bihar’s Samastipur district gathered in silence on Tuesday after learning that 22-year-old Pankaj Sahni, a taxi driver in Delhi, was among those killed in the November 10 bomb blast near the Red Fort.
Pankaj, the son of Ram Balak Sahni, had been living in Delhi with his parents and siblings for nearly two decades. He had taken up driving a cab like his father to support the family. On Monday evening, while ferrying passengers near the Red Fort, he was caught in the powerful explosion that claimed several lives.
According to family members, Pankaj’s relatives in Hasanpur received news of his death the following morning. His aunt Ruby Devi, overcome with emotion, said, “I won’t even be able to see my nephew for the last time. His funeral will be held in Delhi.”
Pankaj’s cousin Deepansh, a college student, expressed fear and frustration over the incident. “If there were employment opportunities in Bihar, our youth wouldn’t have to leave home to earn a living. Pankaj went out to work and never returned. This is a matter of national security, and the government must act seriously,” he said.
Villagers recalled that Pankaj had last visited Hasanpur three years ago during his elder brother’s wedding. “He was simple, respectful, and attached to the village despite growing up in Delhi,” said his cousin Baleshwar Sahni. “He promised to come back soon, but destiny had other plans.”
Local youth like Shivshankar Sahni voiced anger at the government for the lack of job opportunities in Bihar. “If there were work here in the village or district, we wouldn’t have to migrate. Our people go to Delhi, Gujarat, or Kerala for livelihood and face such tragedies,” he said, suggesting that the blast might have links to cross-border terrorism or even political motives.
Hasanpur Panchayat head Sanjeev Kumar Chaudhary condemned the attack and demanded strict punishment for the culprits. “Pankaj had just started his life. The terrorists should face the harshest punishment. I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to ensure that justice is delivered,” he said.
The village, located about 30 kilometers from Samastipur headquarters, has seen a steady stream of visitors since the news broke. Residents say this is not the first time Bihar’s migrant workers have fallen victim to violence outside the state. Many now hope Pankaj’s death will compel both state and central governments to address unemployment and ensure better safety for those who migrate in search of work.
