Katihar: SUV Hits and Kills Two Laborers Preparing for CM Nitish Kumar’s Event

A devastating incident unfolded in Bihar’s Katihar district during preparations for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s upcoming visit. Two workers lost their lives when a speeding SUV struck them as they were setting up barricades along the road. The accident occurred at the NH 31 Vishahari Sthan, under the Kurseela police station jurisdiction. The victims have been identified as Mohammad Hanif, aged 48, and Mohammad Gulzar, aged 24. According to available information, approximately 40 laborers were engaged in erecting barricades on both sides of the road near the Sameli block office in anticipation of the Chief Minister’s arrival. Around 4 a.m., a speeding SUV, attempting to overtake a truck, veered off course and collided with the two workers. The collision was so forceful that the workers were thrown high into the air before hitting the ground. The SUV subsequently fled the scene, running over the two victims. Both laborers died instantly. In response to the tragedy, enraged laborers blocked NH 31, completely disrupting traffic on the Purnia-Barauni route. Police and senior officials were promptly dispatched to the scene. After speaking with the laborers and pacifying them, officials were able to clear the road. The highway blockade lasted about two hours, during which time the workers demanded compensation for the deceased. The two deceased were uncle and nephew. The police took custody of the bodies and sent them to Katihar for a post-mortem examination. The Chief Minister was scheduled to attend the unveiling of a statue of Katihar Sahitya Ratna Anoop Lal Mandal and inaugurate/lay the foundation for several projects on September 27 in Sameli, Katihar district. This accident occurred while preparations were underway for this event.