A motorcycle rider was killed and his companion injured after their bike struck a rope allegedly tied across a road near a Durga Puja-Jagran venue at Jaystambh Chowk in Ambikapur on Friday night, prompting police to register a case against members of the organising committee.
The deceased was identified as Faizan Alam, a resident of Mayapur. He was travelling towards Jaystambh Chowk with his friend Sameer when the motorcycle hit the rope reportedly stretched across the road to restrict traffic. Police said both riders fell after the collision.
Faizan was taken to the medical college hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Sameer is undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, according to the report. Family members alleged that the rope was difficult to see in the darkness and that the location lacked adequate lighting and warning signs.
Faizan’s brother separately alleged that a tent pole fell during the incident and that Faizan may also have suffered an electric shock from wiring connected to the pole. Police have not confirmed those allegations and are examining the circumstances surrounding the death.
Following protests by relatives and local residents, the jagran programme was stopped. The incident has brought the safety arrangements at the event site under police scrutiny, particularly the decision to block or restrict road movement using a rope after dark.
Kotwali police registered an FIR against members of the organising committee under Sections 106(1), 125(a) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators are examining how the road was blocked, whether the rope and other structures were adequately visible, the lighting and barricading arrangements, and whether required safety precautions had been followed.
The police investigation will determine the circumstances of the collision and assess the responsibility of those involved in managing traffic and temporary structures at the venue.
