Patna: Nine people, including a woman, were arrested in Siwan district on Monday for attacking a police team and damaging a govt vehicle after a fatal accident involving an illegal sand-laden tractor on June 28. The incident occurred at Narayanpur Toka village under Darouli police station. The Darouli SHO was also suspended for negligence.Siwan SP Puran Kumar Jha said the tractor went out of control near the village on Sunday and crashed into a roadside kiosk. “Mahesh Bin (70), who was present there, was critically injured. He was rushed to a local health centre, where doctors declared him dead. Angry villagers then blocked the road in protest,” Jha said.When police tried to remove the accident-hit tractor, a group turned violent and attacked the team with sticks and stones, he said. ASI Abhishek Kumar and two constables were injured, while a police vehicle was damaged. Additional force was deployed to restore order.Given the gravity of the incident, a special team led by Sadar-2 SDPO Gauri Kumari and circle inspector Ratnesh Kumar was formed. The team arrested eight men and one woman on charges of attacking police, obstructing govt work, and damaging a police vehicle. Their interrogation is under way.During a departmental review, negligence by Darouli SHO sub-inspector Vivek Kumar came to light, the SP said at a press conference on Monday. “Prima facie, there was a lack of alertness and effective action at his level. He has been suspended with immediate effect,” Jha said.Inspector Abhinav Kumar Dubey has been given additional charge of the police station. The SP added that strict action will continue against those who attack police, damage govt property, or obstruct official work. “Raids are under way to identify and arrest other accused,” he added.
