3-Year-Old Killed in Paltan Bazar Accident

GUWAHATI – A somber atmosphere has gripped the Paltan Bazar area of Guwahati following a tragic road accident on Friday morning that claimed the life of a three-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred at the old ASTC premises, sparked a wave of public outrage that unfortunately led to a secondary incident of mob violence against an innocent driver.

The victim, identified as Rahela Khatun, was reportedly playing inside the old ASTC premises around 9:30 AM when she was struck by a vehicle. According to police officials, a Mahindra Thar was reversing at the time of the impact.

Despite being rushed for immediate medical attention, the child succumbed to her injuries. Her body has since been sent to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for a post-mortem examination.

Arrest and Vehicle Seizure

The driver of the Thar, identified as Mintu Ali, has been taken into police custody. Initial investigations reveal that Ali is associated with a local vehicle dealership. Authorities have also seized the Mahindra Thar involved in the accident, noting that the vehicle was reportedly operating without a registration number.

As news of the child’s death spread, a large, angry crowd gathered at the scene. In the ensuing chaos, the situation took a violent turn due to a case of mistaken identity.

• The Good Samaritan: Digambar Deka, driving a Swift car, stopped at the scene to offer assistance to the injured child.
• The Attack: A section of the mob mistakenly identified Deka’s vehicle as the one involved in the accident.
• Vandalism: The crowd physically assaulted Deka and vandalized his Swift car, despite his attempts to explain he was there to help.

Police personnel arrived shortly after to disperse the mob, bringing the situation under control and rescuing Deka from further harm.

The Paltan Bazar Police have initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. While Mintu Ali remains in custody, authorities are also looking into the public disorder that followed the incident.

“The situation is now under control. We are investigating both the fatal accident and the subsequent assault on the individual who had stepped in to help,” stated a police official.

This tragic event highlights not only the need for increased safety in busy commercial premises but also the dangerous consequences of vigilante justice in the heat of a tragedy.