ASSAULT ON SAND TRUCK DRIVERS

ASSAULT ON SAND TRUCK DRIVERS

9-JUNE-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Disputes, assaults, and firing incidents related to sand mining are nothing new in Bihar. Once again, truck drivers have been assaulted in Bhojpur district amidst a dispute over sand. The drivers were brutally beaten; the assaults took place on Sunday and Monday within the Sahar police station area. Following the incidents, the victims lodged complaints with the police. Meanwhile, the Bhojpur District Truck Owners Association has demanded action against the perpetrators and warned of a 'chakka jam' (road blockade) if no action is taken.

Several truck drivers were assaulted in the Sahar police station area of ​​Bhojpur district. A video of the incident is going viral, showing the drivers being beaten with sticks and rods. After the assault, the drivers filed cases at both the Sahar police station and the SC/ST police station. In his complaint to the Sahar police, victim Bhim Kumar Das stated that a dispute arose over moving the trucks, leading to more than half a dozen people assaulting him.

Separately, another driver lodged a complaint at the district's SC/ST police station, alleging the use of casteist slurs, verbal abuse, physical assault, and a demand for ₹20,000 per sand truck. Both police stations have registered cases based on these allegations.

Ajay Yadav, District President of the Bhojpur Truck Owners Association, has demanded strict action against the culprits from the district's Superintendent of Police. He stated that truck owners and drivers are being harassed. He warned that if this situation persists and no action is taken against the guilty, the association will be compelled to stage a road blockade.