Locals loot liquor bottles after truck crashes near Kharhat toll plaza in Araria district

Patna: What began as a road accident on a busy highway in dry state of Bihar soon turned into an unusual scramble for liquor bottles, as local residents allegedly rushed to loot a consignment of foreign liquor after a truck carrying the illegal cargo crashed into a road divider. The incident took place on Friday near Kharhat toll plaza on Araria-Raniganj main road under Raniganj police station in Araria district.The truck reportedly lost control, rammed into the divider and was badly damaged. The impact damaged the liquor cartons inside the vehicle, causing bottles to spill onto the road. Instead of gathering around to help after the accident, several locals allegedly began collecting the liquor bottles and cartons. What followed was a scramble, with people rushing towards the damaged truck, picking up bottles and carrying them away from the spot. A video of the incident also went viral on social media.The scene reportedly became chaotic within minutes. Women, elderly people and children were also seen among those allegedly collecting the bottles, according to the footage circulating on social media. Some people were seen carrying individual bottles, while others allegedly managed to take away entire cartons.The truck’s driver reportedly fled the spot soon after the accident. According to preliminary information, the driver may have realised that the vehicle was carrying liquor and left the truck before police arrived.By the time the police team reached the location, several bottles and cartons had reportedly disappeared from the vehicle by then.Raniganj police later brought the situation under control. Officers seized the damaged truck and the remaining liquor consignment.Sadar SDPO Sushil Kumar said police would examine the video footage and identify those allegedly involved in taking away the liquor. Action would be taken against anyone found involved, he said.“Police are also using the truck’s registration details to identify its owner and trace those allegedly involved in transporting the consignment. Investigators are trying to establish where the liquor was loaded and where it was to be delivered,” the SDPO added.Police are also working to recover the bottles and cartons allegedly taken away from the accident site.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.