THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
DALTONGANJ, May 30: A government doctor in Jharkhand’s Palamu district has come under investigation after his car allegedly crashed into a house and killed a farmer who was sleeping outside his home in the early hours of Friday.
The deceased, identified as Binod Singh (57), was sleeping under the open sky outside his house in Sikki Kalan village under the Paton police station limits when the accident occurred.
Police said the vehicle belonged to Dr. Mithilesh Prasad, Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Paton. The doctor was reportedly driving alone and heading towards Daltonganj when the mishap took place.
Farmer Dies After Car Rams Into House
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sadar) Rajesh Yadav, the luxury car driven by the doctor crashed into the victim’s house around midnight, fatally hitting Binod Singh in his sleep.
“The vehicle has been detained, and an investigation is underway,” Yadav said.
The incident has sparked public outrage in the area, with villagers questioning how the vehicle crashed into a residential structure.
Doctor Assaulted by Angry Villagers
Soon after the accident, enraged family members and residents allegedly assaulted the doctor. He managed to escape serious injury despite the mob attack.
The accident has also triggered questions within the local medical fraternity regarding the doctor’s presence in the Paton block area at such a late hour.
Road Blockade Over Arrest, Compensation Demand
On Friday, villagers blocked the Paton-Daltonganj Road for several hours, demanding the immediate arrest of the doctor and financial compensation for the victim’s family.
Police sources said protesters insisted on immediate cash assistance, arguing that compensation through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) often takes years to materialise.
The blockade was lifted after local civil and police officials provided a written assurance that compensation-related formalities would be expedited.
Police Await Family Statement
Paton police have registered a First Accident Report (FAR) in connection with the incident.
Officer-in-Charge A. Vidyarthi said the victim’s family was occupied with post-mortem and funeral arrangements and would likely record its statement after the cremation.
Unverified Robbery Angle Surfaces
An unconfirmed account circulating locally claims that the doctor may have lost control of the vehicle after becoming alarmed by people on the road whom he suspected were robbers.
According to this version, he swerved in panic and crashed into the house. However, police have not confirmed the claim and said all aspects of the incident are being investigated.
Health Department Seeks Explanation
Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa said the district health administration has sought an explanation from Dr. Mithilesh Prasad.
“We have asked him to explain the circumstances in detail. We have no information regarding the reason for his midnight travel. We are awaiting his response,” Sriwastwa said.