Phansidewa, 10th July: Tragedy struck in Hussainpur of Phansidewa block when a tractor accident resulted in the death of a four-year-old child, Ashiyan Khan, and left another child, Aman Khan, aged seven, injured. The incident sparked widespread anger among local residents, leading to a demonstration and blockade of National Highway No. 31.
The accident occurred on Tuesday night as the children were returning home from a shop. The tractor struck both children, causing severe injuries. Locals promptly rescued them and transported them to Bidhannagar Rural Hospital. As their conditions worsened, they were transferred to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH), where doctors declared Ashiyan Khan dead. Aman Khan is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.
The child’s death incited local residents to block the national highway at Muraliganj in protest. They alleged that the tractor was illegally transporting sand from the Mahananda River and criticized the administration for failing to address the issue despite multiple complaints. The protesters demanded an immediate halt to the illegal sand extraction and the arrest of those responsible for the incident.
Police from Bidhannagar Investigation Center, Phansidewa Police Station, and Naxalbari Police Station, along with high-ranking officials, arrived at the scene to address the situation. Following assurances from the authorities, the blockade was lifted after approximately three hours.