Chirang (Assam), 16 May (HS): A joyous return from a village religious function ended in tragedy after a speeding car allegedly rammed a scooter from behind on the Bijni-Koklung road in Assam’s Chirang district, killing a CISF personnel and his wife while leaving their young daughter critically injured.

The fatal accident took place late Friday night at Uttar Shilbari when the family was on its way back to their residence at Bhumkipara after attending the concluding ceremony of an annual puja in their native village. According to reports, the speeding Swift car bearing registration number AS 26 F 2229 struck the scooter with great force, throwing all three riders onto the road.

Anamika Patgiri Ray succumbed to her injuries on the spot, while her husband Rahul Ray, a jawan of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), was rushed to Lower Assam Hospital in Bongaigaon in critical condition. Doctors later declared him dead during treatment. Rahul Ray had reportedly returned home recently on leave from duty.

Their only daughter, Kasturi Ray, sustained serious injuries in the collision and is presently undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Her condition is stated to be critical.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the driver of the car fled the scene immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle. Police later seized the four-wheeler and launched an investigation to trace the absconding driver and ascertain the circumstances leading to the mishap.

The sudden deaths of the CISF personnel and his wife have cast a pall of gloom across the locality, with residents mourning the loss of a family returning home after a religious gathering turned into a night of devastation.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash