Locals Allege Driver Was Intoxicated Before Vehicle Flipped
Key Points:
- Two Children Injured As Auto Overturns Near Sidhgora School
- Residents Allege Driver Was Under Influence Of Drugs
- Police Seize Vehicle And Launch Investigation Into Cause
JAMSHEDPUR – An auto-rickshaw carrying schoolchildren overturned on Friday near the Adarsh Arakshi Middle School in the Sidhgora police station area. Two children on board were seriously injured in the accident.
The vehicle lost control suddenly on the main road, triggering panic among bystanders. A crowd of local residents quickly gathered at the spot after the mishap.
Nearby residents pulled the children out of the overturned auto and rushed the injured to a hospital for treatment. Sidhgora police reached the site soon after being alerted.
Officers took the damaged auto into custody and began investigating the incident. Meanwhile, residents alleged that the driver had been operating the vehicle while intoxicated.
Locals claimed the driver had consumed cannabis before the accident. Two chillums, commonly used for smoking cannabis, were reportedly recovered from the accident site.
However, police have not yet officially confirmed whether the driver was actually under the influence. The exact situation is expected to become clear only after further investigation and required medical tests.
Police are questioning the driver in an effort to determine what caused the auto to lose control. Investigators are also examining whether the vehicle was carrying more children than its permitted capacity.
The accident has additionally raised questions about the safety of schoolchildren commuting by such vehicles. Road safety concerns have surfaced in the area following the incident.
A local resident said, “The auto was overcrowded and moving fast when it suddenly toppled over.” Besides the driver’s alleged intoxication, overcrowding is also being examined as a possible factor.
In addition, similar complaints against auto drivers have surfaced earlier in the district. A Patamda resident had previously filed a complaint alleging misconduct by auto drivers.
On the other hand, some local leaders have in the past cautioned against harassing auto drivers without proper evidence. Investigators say they will proceed only on the basis of confirmed medical and police findings.
Police officials are currently continuing their probe into the actual cause of the accident. Jamshedpur authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
