BY TC News Desk
Agartala, February 17: A road accident claimed the life of an auto-rickshaw driver in Agartala on Saturday morning, triggering a protest by his fellow drivers and relatives at the GB Hospital. The protesters alleged that the hospital authorities delayed the autopsy of the deceased, who was identified as Raju Das (32).
According to sources, the accident took place around 8 am when Das was ferrying a passenger from Math Choumuhani to Jogendranagar auto stand. A speeding car hit his auto-rickshaw from behind, causing him to lose control and crash into a roadside tree. Das died on the spot, while the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The police reached the spot and took Das to the GB Hospital for post-mortem. However, the hospital staff reportedly did not conduct the autopsy till afternoon, citing various reasons. This angered the auto drivers and Das’s family members, who staged a demonstration outside the hospital, demanding justice and compensation.
They also questioned the quality of services at the GB Hospital, which is the main referral hospital in the state. They claimed that the hospital often neglects the cases of poor and needy people, and accused the staff of being insensitive and irresponsible.
The protest continued for several hours, disrupting the normal functioning of the hospital. The hospital authorities tried to pacify the protesters, but to no avail. The situation was brought under control after the intervention of senior police officials, who assured the protesters that the autopsy would be done soon and the matter would be investigated. The protesters then dispersed peacefully.
