Initial Accident Report
The events unfolded between approximately 6:30 and 7:00 pm when three young men were riding a motorcycle. As they were traveling, a police vehicle was
also nearby. Suddenly, a speeding Scorpio emerged from the opposite direction. In an attempt to avoid a collision with the SUV, the motorcycle riders were involved in an accident. The riders, identified as Nand Kumar Chauhan, Ehsan Ali, and Raja Hussain, residents of Sareya Mohalla in Gopalganj, sustained injuries and were promptly taken to Sadar Hospital's emergency ward. The local residents and the police assisted in transporting the injured individuals to the hospital to receive immediate medical attention. The exact cause of the accident, which involved the Scorpio, remained unclear as an investigation was initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Rumors Ignite Unrest
Following the accident, the situation quickly deteriorated as false rumors began to circulate among the residents. The reports alleged that one of the three bikers involved had succumbed to their injuries. This misinformation quickly spread, sparking outrage and unrest within the community. The spreading of the false information created significant tension and anger among the local population. Fueled by these rumors, a crowd of agitated individuals gathered near the accident site. The growing mob demanded action against the police, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. The misinformation ultimately served as the catalyst that transformed the aftermath of the road accident into a scene of public unrest and violence, contributing to a volatile environment.
Mob Turns Violent
The situation reached a critical point when the angry mob, driven by the false rumors of the biker's death, escalated their actions. In a display of escalating anger, the mob took to the streets and set fire to a police vehicle in Gopalganj, Bihar. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was rapidly engulfed in flames, igniting in a matter of seconds. The sudden blaze created a scene of panic and heightened the tension within the area. Police personnel intervened to restore order and control the situation. They deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and managed to bring the escalating situation under control after a tense standoff. Over a dozen individuals were detained at the scene as the authorities sought to manage the unrest and ensure the safety of the public.
Police Response, Investigation
Following the outbreak of violence, the police authorities took decisive action to quell the unrest and begin an investigation into the incident. Additional forces were deployed to the area in order to prevent further incidents of vandalism and maintain order within the community. Superintendent of Police (SP) Awadhesh Dixit provided a statement, clarifying that those responsible for the destruction would be identified and held accountable. The SP highlighted that the exact details of how the accident happened, including which vehicle caused it, were still being investigated to gather a complete understanding. A thorough investigation was officially launched to meticulously examine all aspects of the collision and the subsequent acts of violence, with the aim of uncovering the full truth and assigning responsibility.
