Justice for Abhirup: Court Sends Accused to 12-Day Judicial Custody
Dharmanagar, Oct 12: In a significant development following the heartbreaking road accident that claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court of Dharmanagar on Sunday ordered 12 days of judicial custody for the accused WagonR driver, Souvik Nath. The ruling has brought a sense of relief to the grief-stricken residents of Dharmanagar, who had been demanding swift justice since the incident. The tragic accident occurred on the night of Maha Ashtami, plunging the entire town into mourning.
According to reports, Abhijit Debnath, a resident of Shibnath Lane, Dharmanagar, was travelling to a relative’s home in Dighalbak with his ten-year-old son, Abhirup Debnath, when a speeding WagonR car suddenly rammed into them from behind. The collision was so severe that both father and son sustained grievous injuries.
Locals immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the victims to Dharmanagar District Hospital. However, due to their critical condition, the duo was later referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Tragically, the 10-year old Abhirup succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, while his father remains hospitalised in a serious but stable condition.
The horrific incident sparked widespread public outrage across Dharmanagar. Residents held protests demanding the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the driver responsible for the fatal crash. The emotional outpouring reflected the community’s anguish over what they described as “reckless and irresponsible driving” that cost an innocent life.
Responding to the mounting pressure, police from Dharmanagar Police Station arrested the accused driver, Souvik Nath, on Saturday night. The following morning, he was produced before the CJM Court under tight security arrangements. After hearing the case, the Judge directed that the accused be remanded to judicial custody till October 24.
Speaking to reporters, Radhakanta Das, the Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) of Dharmanagar Court, confirmed that CCTV footage from the accident site clearly established the driver’s culpability. Based on this evidence, a separate case has been registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“Since this section is non-bailable, the Court has ordered 12 days of judicial custody,” Das said.
Meanwhile, protests have intensified across the district, with citizens and civil society organisations staging demonstrations and candlelight marches in memory of little Abhirup. Many have urged authorities to ensure that the bereaved family receives justice and adequate compensation.
One of the protesters remarked, “Abhirup’s life was cut short because of someone’s recklessness. We will not rest until his family gets justice.”
As Dharmanagar continues to mourn the loss of the young boy, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the growing menace of rash driving on the state’s roads. Police have assured that the investigation will proceed swiftly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.
