7 young lives lost in road mishap in Jalukbari, Guwahati; 6 others battling for life

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam today woke up to the tragic news of the death of seven students in a road accident. A probe has been ordered to find the reason behind this fatal accident.

Seven students of Assam Engineering College (AEC) were killed and six others injured in a road accident near the DCP West office, Jalukbari in Guwahati in the wee hours today. A speeding Scorpio bearing registration number AS 01 FK 9605 coming from the Azara side crossed over the divider and crashed into a Bolero goods carrier bearing registration number AS 01 GC 8829 on the opposite lane coming from Guwahati side. There were 10 students of AEC, Jalukbari in the Scorpio and one of the students, Kaushik Baruah was driving the car. There were three persons in the DI goods carrier.

In the accident seven students succumbed to injuries on the spot and three are undergoing treatment in private hospitals. The three persons in the DI vehicle who were injured are undergoing treatment at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The condition of all the injured persons is stated to be critical.

The names of the deceased students are Arindam Bhallal, Rajkiran Bhuyan, Niyar Deka, Kaushik Baruah, Emon Gayan, Kaushik Mohan, and Upangshu Sarma. The injured students are Arpan Bhuyan, Arnab Chakraborty, and Mrinmoy Borah. The injured persons in the DI carrier are Muzammil Haque, Yusuf Ali, and Rajib Ali. All the deceased students were 6th semester students.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh, Guwahati Commissioner of Police (CP)and Transport Department officials visited the accident spot. Chief Minister Sarma expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the road accident and assured of providing all possible medical assistance to the injured.

“Extremely anguished by the loss of young and precious lives in the road accident at Jalukbari. My deepest condolences to their parents and families. Have spoken to authorities at GMCH. All possible medical assistance is being provided to those injured,” the CM said on Twitter.

While talking to media persons, DGP GP Singh said, “My condolences to the families of the deceased students. I have talked to the CP and Transport Department officials and asked them to strengthen the enforcement drives. I have also asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and District Transport Officer (DTO) to analyze the accident and find out the reason which led to the accident. In our next meeting we will discuss this.”

He further said, “We will strengthen the enforcement drives, especially against drunken driving. The administration and enforcement officials will do whatever needs to be done but parents and guardians of students, and proctorial staff of schools and colleges must ensure that the students do not indulge in drunken driving.” The DGP advised people not to drink and drive.

When asked about the reason behind the accident, the DGP said, “Prima facie suggests it was a case of drunken driving but I cannot say anything for sure now. There will be an investigation. I have asked the CP, DCP and DTO to conduct a thorough probe.”

According to sources, the Scorpio had been taken on rent from a student of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) by AEC students Kaushik Baruah and Arpan Bhuyan. On Sunday, seven of the students had gone to Pobitora. They returned from Pobitora and were joined by three other students. All 10 then went out at night and on the wee hours of Monday the fatal accident took place.

Meanwhile, AEC Principal Atul Bora condoled the demise of the seven students and termed the accident as unfortunate. The AEC has constituted a 9-member committee comprising faculty members of the college to enquire about the circumstances leading to the accidental death of the seven students.

Also Read: Guwahati Road Accident: 7 AEC Students Died, Several Injured in Road Mishap in Jalukbari

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