Kolkata: A devastating road accident in Jadavpur on Tuesday morning has left the city shaken. A mother tragically lost her life, and the father sustained critical injuries after their bike was struck by a speeding government bus. Their four-year-old daughter, who was accompanying them to school, miraculously escaped unharmed.
According to police reports, the accident occurred near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur. Tapas Mondal, his wife Debashree Naskar Mondal, and their daughter Ankita Mondal were on their way from Santoshpur to Dhakuria when their bike collided with an S-31 route government bus. Eyewitnesses claim the bus, which was leaving the stand, suddenly accelerated at a high speed, slamming into the family’s bike.
The Tragic Chain of Events
The impact of the collision was so severe that the bike was reportedly dragged under the bus. Debashree collapsed on the spot and was declared dead upon arrival at Baghajatin Hospital. Tapas, critically injured, was rushed to Aravind Seva Kendra Hospital for treatment. Ankita, a student at Dhakuria Binodini Girls’ School, escaped physical harm but remains deeply traumatized by the accident.
Eyewitnesses and the grieving family allege that the bus driver was driving recklessly and failed to notice the bike crossing the road. After the collision, the bus fled the scene, speeding towards Behala.
Immediate Police Action
The Jadavpur police acted swiftly, identifying the bus and calling in the driver for questioning. Investigators have noted that the incident highlights the ongoing problem of reckless driving in the city.
Transport Minister Snehashis Chakraborty commented on the tragedy, stating, “Reckless behavior, whether from government or private bus drivers, will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for such incidents.”
Grief and Outrage in the Community
The Mondal family, devastated by the loss of Debashree, has demanded justice. They have lodged a formal complaint at the Jadavpur police station, urging authorities to take stringent action against the driver. The tragic incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are questioning the safety measures and accountability in public transport systems.
A Recurring Problem
This accident adds to the growing list of road mishaps in Kolkata, many of which are attributed to overspeeding and negligence by bus drivers. Citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and better training for drivers to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the city mourns the loss of a young mother and hopes for the speedy recovery of Tapas Mondal. For little Ankita, the accident will be a lifelong reminder of the fragile nature of road safety.
Authorities have assured the public that justice will be served, but the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before concrete measures are taken to ensure safer roads in Kolkata?
