Patna, Aug. 7: A fatal road accident in Patna on Friday triggered violent protests after a pedestrian was allegedly struck and killed by a bus in the Chhoti Pahadi area along National Highway-30, prompting incidents of arson and vandalism, police said.
According to officials, the victim was crossing the road when the bus allegedly hit him, resulting in his death. The incident led to anger among local residents, who gathered at the spot and staged a protest that soon turned violent.Police said the crowd set the bus involved in the accident on fire and later torched three police vehicles and several motorcycles.
A nearby police post was also vandalised during the unrest, causing damage to government property.Senior police officers and additional security personnel reached the scene and brought the situation under control after efforts to disperse the crowd.
Authorities have since intensified security in the area to prevent any further disturbance.An FIR has been registered at the Traffic Police Station, and an investigation has been launched into both the fatal accident and the violence that followed. Police said those involved in arson, vandalism and destruction of public property would be identified and proceeded against in accordance with the law.
Officials also said that some journalists covering the incident were allegedly assaulted during the unrest. The matter is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Traffic movement on the affected stretch was disrupted for some time before normalcy was gradually restored. Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace while the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the subsequent violence.
