Protests erupt in Jamui as truck kills schoolgirl

Patna: A Class IX student was killed in Jamui on Thursday morning after a speeding sand-laden truck hit her while she was cycling to coaching classes in Khaira market, triggering violent protests and clashes with police.

Muskan Kumari, 15, was on her way to coaching around 6am when the truck ran over her. She died on the spot and her body became trapped under one of the vehicle’s wheels. The driver fled after the accident and allegedly hid in a nearby house.

The incident sparked outrage among locals and shopkeepers, who blocked Khaira market, vandalised the truck and smashed its windows. As police attempted to clear the road and pacify protesters, a section of the crowd moved towards Khaira police station and pelted stones. Two police vehicles were damaged.

Police said several personnel were injured in the stone-pelting, including a woman constable who suffered a leg injury and another constable who sustained injuries to a hand. Police also claimed shots were fired in the air to bring the situation under control, though the administration denied any firing.

Muskan’s mother Sanju Devi alleged, “My daughter went for coaching at 6 am as usual. The stone-laden truck ran over her. Police came and fired at the agitating crowd.”

Jamui sub-divisional magistrate Saurav Kumar said the accident occurred around 7 am and the girl died on the spot. “There is no such information of firing. No one was injured in stone-pelting. The body is still stuck under the truck’s wheel and has not been removed,” he said.

“No firing was done by police. Some people tried to disrupt law and order by blocking the road. A few were detained. The situation is under control,” Saurav added.

Six people were detained. Protesters demanded compensation for the family and the arrest of the absconding driver.