Two young men, identified as Pranajit Das and Shashank Moran, were killed in a road accident during Bihu celebrations, prompting thousands of residents across Kakopathar to mourn and demand action. Their bodies were taken to Tinsukia Medical College for postmortem and later returned to Kakopathar, where large crowds paid their respects. The incident sparked protests on National Highway 15, and police have detained the driver and seized the vehicle involved.
Mourners gathered at the town field, Teji village and Kako Tinali colony, with women, elderly citizens and youths lining roads and crowding the victims’ homes. Floral tributes were placed and final rites performed as communities joined in a solemn procession to carry the mortal remains for last rites.
Local organisations, student bodies and community groups led tributes, remembering Pranajit as a talented goalkeeper at the Kakopathar Football Coaching Centre and noting Shashank’s active presence in the community. The scale of the mourning was reflected in businesses: shops across Kakopathar and as far as Dirak remained closed while the area observed a period of grief.
Public anger over road safety during festive periods fuelled a blockade of National Highway 15, with demonstrators demanding tougher action against reckless and drunk driving, compensation for the victims’ families, and improved safety measures. The blockade was lifted after administration officials held discussions with protestors and assured steps to tackle overspeeding and drunk driving.
Leaders of the All Moran Students’ Union submitted a memorandum seeking Rs 20 lakh in compensation for the families, along with calls for better healthcare facilities and enhanced traffic management in the region. Police confirmed the driver implicated in the crash has been detained and the vehicle impounded as inquiries continue.
Authorities appealed for calm while reiterating the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies. The accident has renewed local calls for targeted road-safety measures during festivals and for prompt administrative responses to community demands.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assams-kakopathar-mourns-loss-of-two-youths-thousands-turn-out-as-accident-victims-laid-to-rest-1377875-2026-04-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-18 21:43:00
