The family of Rahul Mondal, a 24-year-old food delivery boy killed in a horrific road accident in Kolkata’s Salt Lake-Keshtopur area, has accused the Bidhannagar police of failing to arrest the driver responsible for the tragedy. The incident, which occurred near New Bridge (No. 8) on Wednesday evening, August 13, saw Mondal’s motorcycle struck by a speeding private car, leading to a fire that claimed his life. The family’s allegations of police negligence have fueled public outrage, culminating in violent protests.

According to Mondal’s family, the driver remained untraced for over 12 hours despite the car’s registration number being available. They claim that when they attempted to file a complaint at the Bidhannagar police station, they were denied entry and pressured into signing a pre-written complaint, a process they say exploited an illiterate family member. “The police did nothing while Rahul burned,” said a grieving relative, echoing sentiments of locals who allege officers stood by, filming the scene instead of acting swiftly.

The accident occurred around 5:40 p.m. when the car, reportedly out of control, collided with multiple vehicles before hitting Mondal’s motorcycle, pinning him against a roadside railing. The vehicle then caught fire, trapping Mondal in the blaze. While locals managed to rescue the car’s occupants, Mondal could not be saved. Witnesses claim the police and fire services arrived late, and heavy rain complicated efforts, with the site left unsecured.

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The incident sparked immediate protests, with locals pelting stones at police, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd. The Rapid Action Force was deployed to restore order. A Bidhannagar police officer stated that a case has been registered under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and assault on police personnel. “No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation is ongoing,” the officer added, noting that a forensic team is set to examine the site today.

Mondal, a resident of Basanti, was known for his hard work as a delivery agent. His death has reignited concerns over road safety in Salt Lake, with locals pointing to hazardous conditions like potholes and poor lighting. The community demands accountability, while Mondal’s family seeks justice for what they call a preventable tragedy.

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