South 24 Parganas, 28 June (H.S.) A tragic road accident in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas claimed the lives of three young men early Saturday morning, while another was critically injured. According to police sources, the deceased have been identified as Subrata Mandal (24), Dipankar Mandal (19), and Mostakin (32). The injured youth, Sanjay Mandal (19), has been shifted to Diamond Harbour Medical College and hospital where he remains in critical condition. All four victims were residents of Raghavpur village under Basirhat police station in North 24 Parganas. They had been working in Patharpratima under a contractor, installing deep tube wells. On Friday night, after completing their work, they went out to visit a Rath Mela (chariot festival) on a motorcycle. The accident occurred while they were returning late at night. The region was experiencing continuous rain since Saturday morning. The accident happened near Arjun Crossing in the Ramganga Gram Panchayat area, where the bike reportedly lost control due to slippery conditions and fell into a roadside drain. All four riders were thrown off the vehicle. Hearing a loud crash, locals rushed to the spot and found the youths lying in the drain. While three died on the spot, the fourth was rescued in a critical state and taken to Gadamathura Primary Health Centre, before being referred to Diamond Harbour Medical College for advanced treatment. The brother of the injured youth said the group had been working in Yashoda crossing area, under Dholahat police station, for tube well installation. “On Friday night, all four went on a motorcycle to see the Rath festival. The accident happened on their way back late at night,” he added. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey