Tamulpur, April 25: A 25-year-old Bihu dancer was killed and eleven others sustained injuries in a late-night road accident at Naokata along the Tamulpur–Nagrijuli road in Tamulpur district, casting a shadow over ongoing Rongali Bihu celebrations in the region.
The accident occurred when a traveller carrying members of the ‘Bhaskarjyoti Bihu Husori Team’ from Nalbari was en route to Bangalipara in Tamulpur to perform as part of the festivities. The vehicle reportedly collided head-on with a speeding trailer bearing registration number PB 03 AP 6681 coming from the opposite direction.
The deceased has been identified as Nishamani Haloi, a resident of Niz Jhargaon in Tamulpur district, who died on the spot following the collision. Police said the traveller, bearing registration number AS-25-DC-5893, was carrying around thirty members of the troupe at the time of the incident.
Those injured in the accident include Arun Medhi, Bidyut Das, Jagat Ray, driver Pankaj Baishya, Ankita Das, Ratan Kalita, Nitu Baruah, Shivani Baruah, Kabyashree Saruwa and Dibakar Moran. Five of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and have been referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.
The incident has triggered grief among local residents and performers, with many expressing shock over the loss of the young artiste during the festive season. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the collision.
