Tripura, 26 Jan 2026: North Tripura continues to witness a grim rise in fatal road accidents, with stone-laden dumpers emerging as a major threat to public safety. Reckless driving, excessive speed, and alleged lack of proper documentation have turned these heavy vehicles into what locals now describe as “vehicles of death.”
Yesterday, January 25, another tragic incident occurred under Churaibari Police Station limits near Sanichhara Market on National Highway No. 8 (Assam–Agartala road). A high-speed stone-laden dumper hit a motorcycle from behind, killing an uncle and his minor nephew.
The deceased have been identified as Tapan Dey (53) and his nephew Ayush Dey (14), residents of Ward No. 1 of Bagbassa Gram Panchayat. According to reports, yesterday night Tapan Dey was travelling with Ayush Dey from their home towards Sanichhara Market when the dumper rammed into them at high speed near the market area and fled the spot.
Local residents rushed to rescue the injured and took them to Sanichhara Primary Health Centre. Doctors declared Ayush Dey dead on arrival. Seeing the critical condition of Tapan Dey, he was referred to Dharmanagar District Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after treatment began.
Public anger erupted after the accident as police allegedly failed to reach the spot promptly despite being informed. Agitated locals blocked National Highway No. 8 by burning tyres. Bagbassa MLA Jadav Lal Nath reached the site, but protesters questioned the delayed police response and demanded immediate action.
The protesters also raised concerns over the frequent movement of high-speed dumpers on the national highway, demanding a ban on dumper movement between 10 pm and 4 am to prevent further loss of lives.
Later, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Jayanta Karmakar arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and assured appropriate action, following which the blockade was withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Churaibari Police seized the dumper bearing registration number TR-05-C-1847 and detained the driver, Joel Ahmed (35), son of Sonafar Ali, a resident of the Ramnagar area in Panisagar.
The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over Bagbassa and adjoining areas, once again highlighting serious concerns over road safety and the unchecked movement of heavy vehicles in North Tripura.
