Paschim Bardhaman – A young woman lost her life in a tragic accident while attempting to escape from a group of miscreants who allegedly harassed her on the road. The incident, which has sparked outrage, occurred late Sunday night when 28-year-old Sutandra Chatterjee, a resident of Chandan Nagar in Hooghly, tried to flee from her tormentors by driving on the wrong side of the road, only to meet with a fatal crash.
According to reports, Sutandra, along with four other individuals including the driver, was traveling to Gaya in a four-wheeler. The group had stopped to refuel at a petrol pump in the Budbud police station area, where they were confronted by a few drunken youths from Panagarh. The men allegedly taunted and harassed the occupants of the vehicle, particularly targeting Sutandra. Despite efforts to avoid confrontation, the harassment continued as the miscreants followed their car for several kilometers.
Upon reaching the entrance of Rice Mill Road in Panagarh Bazar, the situation escalated when the eve-teasers attempted to block their path. In a desperate bid to escape, the driver swerved into Rice Mill Road at high speed. Unfortunately, the miscreants’ vehicle rammed into them, causing the car to lose control. The vehicle first crashed into a roadside shop, then a bathroom, and finally overturned after hitting scattered iron parts along the road. The impact of the crash was fatal for Sutandra, who died on the spot, while the other four passengers sustained minor injuries.
Local authorities, upon receiving the distress call, rushed to the scene. The Kankasa police station officials seized both vehicles and recovered the body, which was later sent for an autopsy at a sub-district hospital. However, the accused managed to escape despite their vehicle being confiscated. A manhunt has been launched to track down the absconding culprits.
The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about women’s safety in the region, with residents and activists demanding strict action against those responsible. Many have taken to social media, calling for immediate justice and enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, police officials have assured that efforts are being made to nab the perpetrators. “This is a heinous act, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. The suspects will be arrested soon,” said a senior police official from Kankasa police station.
The loss of Sutandra Chatterjee has left her family and the community in shock, serving as a grim reminder of the persistent threats women face on the roads. Authorities urge the public to report any instances of harassment and ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished.
