Sitamarhi inhumanity peak: Fish-loaded loader van crushes 7th std student to death, crowd loots fish ignoring dying screams

Fish loaded loader van crushes/sbkinews.in

Sitamarhi, Bihar: In a shocking display of inhumanity, a 16-year-old 7th standard student Ritesh Kumar was crushed to death under a fish-loaded loader van at Ihit Chowk on Sitamarhi-Benipatti State Highway 52, while a crowd looted scattered fish ignoring his dying screams. The tragic incident occurred Friday morning around 6:30 AM.

According to police, Ritesh, son of Santosh Das, was standing by his bicycle waiting for coaching near the chowk when a speeding loader van from Pupri market suddenly swerved to avoid a motorcycle rider. The driver hit the brakes, lost control, and the overloaded van flipped over, crushing Ritesh underneath. The driver and helper escaped unhurt.

As fish scattered across the road, a frenzied crowd gathered to loot instead of helping the trapped student. Ritesh lay tortured and screaming for help, but no one intervened. Only after villagers finally lifted the van with collective effort was it too late — Ritesh was already dead. Another youth Rajiv Kumar sustained injuries and was referred to Sadar Hospital.

The incident, captured on video footage, shows people frantically grabbing fish sacks while Ritesh’s cries went unheard. Police arrived late and sent the body for postmortem. Sitamarhi SP confirmed the investigation is underway.

This heartbreaking tragedy highlights rampant road safety violations and the dehumanizing greed prevalent in rural Bihar. Overloaded vehicles, reckless driving, and public apathy have claimed another innocent life. Locals demand strict action against the driver and those who looted instead of helping.

Social media erupted with outrage, calling it “Bihar’s peak inhumanity.” Videos showing the looting frenzy went viral, sparking statewide condemnation.