Bihar accident: FIR names BJP member, but party denies
The ownership of a Bolero that crushed nine children to death in Bihar has triggered a political war. RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav alleged that the SUV belonged to Manoj Baitha, a BJP member, and the JD(U) was trying to protect him. But BJP said Baitha is "neither our party worker nor leader." Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged against Baitha in the case.
The gruesome accident that killed nine children
Two days ago, the Bolero in question hit students waiting to cross the National Highway 77 at Dharampur village in Muzaffarpur. Reports said it was speeding. Nine were killed and around 20 injured. Witnesses said it ran over the children while trying to avoid an injured accident victim lying on the road. The driver and occupants abandoned the SUV and fled.
Baitha's name, BJP sign found inscribed on the SUV
Police found that the vehicle had the BJP sign and Baitha's name was inscribed on it, said SHO Prasad Singh. The BJP leader form Sitamarhi was reportedly in the Bolero when the accident happened and fled with the driver. He is now on the run. District transport officer Nazir Ahmad corroborated Singh's statements, adding the SUV was registered in Baitha's name in September'10.
Despite several reports, BJP denies Baitha is a member
Demanding strict action against the accused, Yadav, leader of the opposition in the assembly, said, "The Nitish-led government is trying to save the culprit, Manoj Baitha, as he is an active member of ruling coalition partner BJP." But BJP's district president Ramsurat Rai denied the allegations. Residents, angry over the deaths, vandalized the school, assaulted teachers and set chairs and benches ablaze.
