A horrifying road accident occurred in Saharsa district late Monday night. A Scorpio car went out of control and rammed into a couple sleeping on a wooden platform near a roadside square in Nawhatta. Both husband and wife died on the spot after being hit by the speeding vehicle. The tragic incident took place near Barahi Chowk at the Koshi embankment in Nawhatta.
Victims Identified as Lakshmi Paswan and Tara Devi
Police confirmed that the victims were identified as 58-year-old Lakshmi Paswan and his wife Tara Devi. Locals said the couple had been sleeping on a makeshift wooden structure near the roadside, as is common in rural Bihar during humid nights. Suddenly, the Scorpio vehicle lost control and hit them with extreme force, leaving no chance of survival. Their death has plunged the entire family into grief, especially their only son, Sanjay Paswan, who is inconsolable after losing both parents in the same incident.
Driver Allegedly Under the Influence of Alcohol
According to initial reports, the Scorpio driver was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the accident. Eyewitnesses claimed that the vehicle was being driven at high speed and swerved uncontrollably before hitting the sleeping couple. The sound of the impact was so loud that nearby residents rushed to the scene immediately. Local people managed to overpower the driver and handed him over to the police when they arrived.
Police Response and Medical Confirmation
Officers from Nawhatta police station, including station in-charge Gyan Ranjan Kumar, reached the accident site soon after receiving the information. The injured couple was rushed to Nawhatta Hospital, but doctors declared both dead on arrival. The bodies were later sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. Police have also started legal proceedings to register an FIR against the driver for reckless driving and suspected drunken behavior.
Community Shock and Public Anger
The accident triggered widespread anger among locals in Nawhatta. Residents expressed outrage at the increasing number of reckless driving incidents in the region. Many claimed that late-night drunk driving has become a growing problem in Bihar, putting lives at constant risk. On Tuesday morning, villagers blocked the road in protest, demanding strict action against the accused driver and effective measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Similar Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The Saharsa incident comes just days after another high-profile accident in Patna, where a speeding Thar vehicle ran over five people, killing four on the spot. These back-to-back tragedies have sparked discussions about road safety in Bihar and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules. Families in rural areas, who often sleep on roadside platforms during hot nights, are particularly vulnerable to such accidents caused by speeding or intoxicated drivers.
Law Enforcement Under Pressure
Police officials acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured locals that strict action will be taken. They confirmed that the driver has been taken into custody and tests will be conducted to verify whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities are also reviewing whether the driver had a valid license and whether the vehicle was registered properly.
The Nawhatta police have faced growing pressure from the community to ensure accountability. Many residents pointed out that road safety checks are rare in remote areas of Saharsa, allowing reckless driving to go unchecked. Civic organizations have also raised concerns about the absence of regular patrols, which could prevent such tragedies.
Grief of the Bereaved Family
The family of Lakshmi Paswan and Tara Devi is devastated by the sudden loss. Their son, Sanjay Paswan, broke down repeatedly while narrating how his parents were planning family rituals in the coming weeks. The couple was well known in the local community, and their untimely death has left neighbors and relatives in shock. Women in the village gathered at the family’s home to console them, while men discussed ways to seek justice for the victims.
Rising Road Accidents in Bihar
The incident highlights a larger issue of road safety in Bihar. Official data shows that the state has witnessed a sharp rise in road accidents in recent years. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, and lack of enforcement have been identified as key reasons. Villagers in Nawhatta said that heavy vehicles and SUVs often move at high speed on narrow rural roads, creating danger for pedestrians and families sleeping outside.
Experts believe that stricter penalties for drunk driving, installation of speed breakers, and night patrolling could help reduce such incidents. The Saharsa case is now being seen as a test for law enforcement to act firmly and restore public trust.
Public Demands for Justice
Following the tragedy, local residents have demanded immediate compensation for the bereaved family. They also called for the accused driver to be prosecuted under strict legal provisions. Many villagers staged a protest at the accident site, carrying placards and chanting slogans against reckless driving. Some even threatened to intensify the agitation if the authorities failed to take visible action.
The Role of Alcohol in Road Accidents
The suspicion that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident has once again brought attention to the problem of drunk driving. Road safety experts argue that alcohol-related accidents are underreported in Bihar, and many cases go unnoticed due to lack of proper testing. Activists have urged the administration to carry out random breathalyzer tests, especially during late-night hours when such incidents are more frequent.
Administrative Measures Under Review
After the accident, senior district officials of Saharsa have assured that preventive measures will be introduced. They confirmed that road safety checks will be strengthened, and more traffic police will be deployed along rural highways and embankments. Meetings are being held to discuss installation of reflective signboards and speed control mechanisms on vulnerable stretches.
Social Impact of the Tragedy
The accident has not only affected the victim’s family but also shaken the entire Nawhatta community. Neighbors fear that similar accidents could happen again if authorities do not take strict preventive steps. Families who usually sleep outdoors during summer nights are now reconsidering this practice due to safety concerns. The tragedy has triggered debates in the local community about balancing traditional lifestyle habits with modern road safety challenges.
Postmortem and Legal Proceedings
The bodies of Lakshmi Paswan and Tara Devi were sent for postmortem at the district hospital. The report will be a key document in the investigation, confirming the exact cause of death. Police have assured the family that the case will be pursued under appropriate sections of law. They also stated that the driver will face criminal charges, and if proven drunk, additional charges under drunk driving laws will be applied.
The Nawhatta accident in Saharsa serves as another grim reminder of the growing menace of reckless driving in Bihar. A couple lost their lives while sleeping peacefully, only to be crushed by a vehicle allegedly driven by a drunk driver. Their deaths have created an outpouring of grief and anger, pushing authorities to take stronger action.
As investigations continue, locals demand justice for the victims and safety for future generations. The reduced tolerance for reckless behavior is clear, and the people of Nawhatta want accountability, not excuses. For now, the district administration faces the challenge of addressing road safety while ensuring that such heartbreaking tragedies do not repeat themselves.
Discover more from News Ark
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
