Thakurpukur Market Accident — The Kolkata Police have filed a detailed chargesheet against Bengali television director Siddhanta Das, popularly known as Victo, following the tragic Thakurpukur market accident in which one person died and eight others were injured. The charges follow a high-profile investigation that has sparked citywide outrage and brought renewed focus to drunk driving laws, urban road safety, and public accountability.
The incident occurred on April 6, when Das’s SUV crashed into a crowded local market in Thakurpukur, leading to the death of 63-year-old Aminur Rahman and injuries to multiple others.
The Accident: What Happened?
According to official reports, Das was driving his high-end SUV early on a Sunday morning when the vehicle veered off course and rammed into vendors and pedestrians on a stretch of road that was officially under maintenance and closed to general traffic.
- Witnesses claimed the SUV was moving at high speed.
- Barricades meant to keep vehicles out of the area were either ignored or bypassed.
- The victims were mainly local vegetable vendors and morning shoppers.
Police confirmed that Das was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Thakurpukur Market Accident: Charges Filed
The Kolkata Police’s chargesheet includes the following:
- IPC Section 304 Part II – Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- IPC Section 279 – Rash driving
- IPC Section 337/338 – Causing hurt by endangering life or personal safety
- Motor Vehicles Act Section 185 – Driving under the influence of alcohol
The investigation was initially handled by the Fatal Squad of Kolkata Police, and later transferred to the Detective Department’s homicide wing for deeper scrutiny, including analysis of CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and blood alcohol reports.
Drunk Driving: A Dangerous Pattern
Das’s blood alcohol level was found to be well above the legal limit, prompting strong criticism from citizens and traffic safety activists. The incident has revived public concern about the inconsistent enforcement of DUI laws in Indian cities.
Drunk driving continues to be a major cause of urban fatalities. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), nearly one-third of road accidents involving fatalities in Indian metros involve alcohol or substance use.
NCRB Road Accident Statistics – Official Portal
Legal Process and Custody
Following his arrest, Siddhanta Das was remanded to police custody and interrogated for several days. During questioning, it was revealed that:
- He had attended a party the night before the accident.
- He was accompanied by co-passengers, including industry colleagues, at the time of the crash.
- He was aware that the road was closed but still chose to drive through it.
The police are also exploring potential culpability of the passengers, including whether they encouraged or failed to prevent him from driving under the influence—an act that could carry criminal liability under certain legal interpretations.
Role of Co-Passengers Under Scrutiny
At the time of the incident, Siddhanta Das was reportedly not alone in the car. Co-passengers included other figures from the film and television industry. At least one of them reportedly exited the vehicle moments before the crash, according to witness statements.
Police are examining whether these individuals:
- Knew he was intoxicated,
- Did not intervene,
- Or actively encouraged him to drive in that condition.
If found to have played a complicit role, they could face legal action under IPC sections related to abetment or negligence.
Related legal context:
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections & Interpretations – India Code Portal
Public and Industry Reaction
The Bengali entertainment industry responded with shock and condemnation. Many actors and directors expressed dismay over the recklessness displayed.
Some public figures issued statements emphasizing:
- The responsibility of celebrities to uphold public values.
- The need for stricter laws and enforcement for drunk driving.
- Calls for civic education campaigns led by well-known faces from the industry.
Citizens across Kolkata held candlelight vigils and community meetings in solidarity with the victims, demanding swift justice.
Road Safety Concerns at the Crash Site
The accident has exposed severe gaps in urban traffic enforcement:
- Improper barricading of the construction site allowed vehicle access.
- Lack of visible police presence on a Sunday morning.
- No traffic wardens or safety signs warning of the market congestion.
Civic bodies have now promised to re-evaluate safety measures in construction zones, particularly where pedestrian movement is high.
Policy reference:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – Road Safety Initiatives
Recurring Problem in Indian Cities
This case is not an isolated event. Similar incidents have occurred in other metros, including:
- Chennai: Tech employee killed three pedestrians while drunk.
- Mumbai: High-profile case involving a businessman who ran over a traffic police constable.
- Delhi: Car crashes into a street food vendor while under influence.
In each case, delayed legal action, bail loopholes, and public outcry followed. Legal experts argue that unless India adopts stricter sentencing and quick trials, such cases will continue to rise.
Road Safety Data Snapshot (India)
- 1.5 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents.
- Around 25–30% linked to alcohol-impaired driving.
- India accounts for 13% of global road fatalities, despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles.
Source:
World Health Organization – Global Road Safety Report
What Can Be Done?
Proposed Solutions:
- Zero-tolerance DUI policy: Mandatory imprisonment for drunk driving above threshold.
- Ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders.
- 24×7 mobile breathalyzer vans near nightlife zones.
- Public service campaigns with celebrity faces speaking out.
- Enhanced compensation mechanisms for victims’ families.
WHO guidelines for safe systems:
WHO Safe System Approach to Road Safety
Voices from the Ground
Mohammad Iqbal, local shopkeeper:
“The market was just opening when the vehicle hit. There was no time to react. He came in so fast. We thought it was a blast.”
Sultana Bibi, daughter of deceased Aminur Rahman:
“We demand that justice be served quickly. One moment he was selling brinjals, and the next he was gone.”
Conclusion
The Thakurpukur crash is more than just an unfortunate accident—it is a stark reminder of what happens when reckless choices go unchecked. The swift police investigation and charges against Siddhanta Das show that accountability is being pursued, but deeper issues remain.
As the case proceeds in court, the people of Kolkata and beyond must push for lasting reforms: in law, in culture, and in enforcement.
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
