Villagers block highway after youth killed in road accident

Times News NetworkChatra: Tension gripped Simaria village after a youth died in a road accident near Jabda check naka late Tuesday night, triggering a prolonged road blockade by residents. The deceased, Pradeep Bakhla, a resident of Sandhali village under Jabda panchayat, was returning home from Lohardaga on his motorcycle when a coal-laden vehicle allegedly hit him near the checkpost. He died on the spot.Soon villagers and family members blocked the Simaria–Ranchi road and the blockade continued till Wednesday afternoon, disrupting traffic.Protesters demanded compensation for the bereaved family under disaster management provisions, a package similar to the one provided in Tandwa, a govt job for a family member, and action against speeding coal vehicles.Simaria circle officer Gaurav Kumar Rai and officer-in-charge Surya Pratap Singh held talks with protesters, to pacify them. “The agitation ended on Wednesday afternoon after we assured to fast track compensation as per govt norms,” said Rai.