Madhubani: A routine morning walk turned fatal for three women who died after being run over by a speeding SUV in Madhubani district on Sunday, sparking protests and a five-hour road blockade. The accident occurred around 5.30am near Jagdamba Petrol Pump on the Benipatti-Rahika road under Benipatti police station area.The deceased were identified as Rita Devi (42), wife of Pachchu Shah; Kiran Devi (40), wife of Raju Mahato; and Phuldai Devi (70), wife of late Arun Jha, all residents of Navtoli village.Locals said six women from the village had gone for their routine morning walk. As they were standing by the roadside near the fuel station on their way home, a speeding black SUV allegedly hit them. Rita, Kiran and Phuldai died on the spot, while the three other women escaped unhurt.The deaths sparked outrage in Navtoli village, with residents blocking the highway and staging a protest. Traffic was disrupted for several hours, with vehicles lined up for nearly a kilometre on both sides of the road. Police officials and local public representatives faced difficulty in persuading protesters and bereaved family members to lift the blockade.Protesters alleged that police and an ambulance reached the spot nearly two hours after being informed about the accident. Some residents claimed that prompt medical assistance could have saved at least one of the victims.The blockade continued for more than five hours as villagers demanded compensation for the victims’ families and swift action against those responsible. The protesters also opposed the removal of the bodies for post-mortem until assurances were given by the administration.Benipatti BDO said govt relief admissible in such cases would be provided to the victims’ families at the earliest. The vehicle involved in the accident and its driver remained unidentified. Police have launched an investigation, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem.
