Driver allegedly assaulted on Rohini Road; Tarai Drivers’ Association halts small vehicle movement on Siliguri-Darjeeling route

Siliguri, 24th July: A passenger vehicle driver was allegedly assaulted by a truck driver on Rohini Road while travelling from Siliguri to Kurseong, leading to protests by the Tarai Drivers’ Association.

On Thursday morning, members of the association halted small vehicle operations on the Siliguri-Darjeeling route and staged a protest near the truck stand at Darjeeling More, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

According to sources, the driver, Manik Banik, was carrying tourists to Kurseong on Wednesday morning when he overtook a truck near Kargil Dara. The truck driver allegedly abused him and, with support from a few other truckers, assaulted him.

At the time of the incident, multiple tourists were inside Banik’s vehicle. He was later taken to Siliguri District Hospital and subsequently filed a written complaint at Kurseong Police Station. Despite 24 hours passing, no arrest had been made, according to the victim’s family.

The Tarai Drivers’ Association stated that road safety for drivers has become a serious concern and warned of a larger protest if the accused are not arrested. The injured driver’s family has also demanded strict action against those involved.

Driver allegedly assaulted on Rohini Road; Tarai Drivers’ Association halts small vehicle movement on Siliguri-Darjeeling route

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