Cachar Police Arrests Drivers Accused in Jirighat Hit and Run Case that Killed Two Students

In a significant breakthrough, police have traced and seized the oil tanker involved in the hit-and-run accident that killed two schoolchildren on Thursday (November 27) at Lalpani under Jirighat Police Station on the Silchar–Imphal National Highway. The tanker was intercepted within 34 hours of the tragedy, bringing a crucial development to a case that has shaken the district. Two people were detained in this case.

The victims — 4-year-old Sanatomba and 3-year-old Abdul Samad, both students of Sunrise English School, Lalpani — died on the spot after the tanker allegedly rammed into their scooter from behind. The children were returning home after school with Samad’s mother when the collision occurred. She survived with no major injuries as she fell to the left, while the minors, flung to the right side of the road, were fatally struck. The tanker did not stop and fled immediately.

Shocked and enraged locals blocked the national highway soon after the accident, demanding immediate action, speed regulation for heavy vehicles, and stricter highway surveillance.

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Yakub Ali, Second Officer of Udharbond Police Station, conducted a late-night operation around 9 PM on Friday (November 28). The police located and seized the tanker from the IOC area of Moinarbond, Udharbond. Two persons were detained, including the prime accused.

The driver has been identified as Sanasam Bali Singh (54), son of Sanasam Babu Singh, of Waikhong Bazar Mamang Leikai, Kakching district, Manipur.

Following detention, Udharbond Police informed Jirighat PS, after which Jirighat officers took custody of the accused for further investigation.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Cachar Senior SP Partha Protim Das confirmed the arrest and said, “Both of them were arrested from IOC in Moinarbond, and we have registered a case of homicide as the truck escaped after the accident. The accused have been forwarded to jail.”

When asked about recurring road fatalities involving heavy vehicles, the SSP said, “We are holding meetings police station-wise and intensifying the ongoing awareness programme. Meetings with the Truck Drivers Associations have also been held. DC Sir has raised this point in the District Road Safety Meeting. Nakas will be placed in vulnerable areas within days. Police deployment and awareness drives will be increased.”

The repeated tragedies have triggered urgent calls for stricter monitoring of highway traffic in Cachar.