Youth injured in Baitadi auto accident dies during treatment in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: A youth who was seriously injured in an auto accident in Baitadi has died while undergoing treatment in Dhangadhi.

According to police, 25-year-old Antaram Bista of Sigas Rural Municipality-9, Bajpani, succumbed to his injuries at Metro Hospital on Friday afternoon. He had sustained serious injuries in an accident involving an auto rickshaw bearing number 01001 Ha 6579 at Dholyamod on Chaitra 30. Bista passed away while being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), but his body has not yet been recovered.

Kailali police said the body has not been claimed due to ongoing discussions between the deceased’s relatives and the auto owner involved in the accident. Two other individuals were also injured in the same incident.

The District Police Office, Baitadi, reported that 40-year-old Gambhir Bohara and 50-year-old Harka Bahadur Bohara, both from Bitthadchir Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang, were also injured in the accident and are currently receiving treatment in Dadeldhura.

However, controversy has arisen over the identity of the driver at the time of the accident. The deceased’s relatives have accused the police of detaining the wrong person. They claim that Kare Dhanuk of Purchaudi was driving the auto without a license but was not taken into custody. Instead, his brother, Deepak Dhanuk, was arrested by the Area Police Office, Patan, on Friday.

The relatives are demanding the arrest of Kare Dhanuk, asserting that justice will not be served unless the actual driver is held accountable. They have warned that they will not recover Bista’s body until the correct individual is arrested.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Makendra Kumar Mishra, Chief of the District Police Office, Baitadi, stated that Deepak Dhanuk was taken into custody based on preliminary information indicating he was the driver. However, DSP Mishra assured that if a formal complaint is filed identifying another person as the driver, the matter will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.