Kakopathar blockade lifted; Rs 20 lakh compensation demanded for victims’ families after fatal crash

The road blockade in Kakopathar, triggered by the deaths of two youths in a tragic accident, was lifted on Saturday after the administration assured prompt action to address reckless driving and drunk driving in the region.

Confirming the development, Navajyoti Saharia, Circle Officer and Executive Magistrate of Doomdooma Revenue Circle, said the situation had been amicably resolved following discussions with protesting residents. “The issue has been sorted out. The administration will take necessary steps to resolve the concerns raised,” he stated.

The protest erupted after a fatal accident late Friday night during Bihu celebrations at Lajum village. A speeding Bolero vehicle allegedly rammed into a stationary motorcycle, killing two young men on the spot. The victims were identified as Pranajit Das of Kakopathar, a goalkeeper at the Kakopathar Football Coaching Centre, and Shashank Moran of Teji village.

Eyewitnesses said the victims were sitting on a parked motorcycle by the roadside when the vehicle, reportedly coming at high speed from the Kakopathar side, struck them. Both succumbed to their injuries instantly.

The driver of the Bolero, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was later detained by Doomdooma Police, and the vehicle was seized as part of the investigation.

Following the incident, angry locals blocked National Highway 15 from Saturday morning, burning tyres and demanding strict action against the accused, compensation for the victims’ families, and improved road safety measures. The blockade caused major traffic disruptions, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.

After intervention by the administration and assurances regarding their demands, the protesters called off the agitation.

Saharia said police would initiate strict measures to curb overspeeding and drunk driving to prevent such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, leaders of the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU), including president Rajib Moran and vice president Manob Boruah, submitted a memorandum to the administration in the presence of CDSP Diganta Dutta. They demanded compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the next of kin of the victims, the establishment of a modern hospital in Kakopathar, and improved traffic management in the area.

Shops in Kakopathar up to Siraj remained closed as residents mourned the deaths, even as authorities appealed for calm and assured action.