A 28-year-old Bhutanese truck driver was beaten by a mob in Kumarikata in Assam, India, following a hit and run case on July 1.

It was learnt that the driver ran away after hitting an auto rickshaw, injuring an Indian national while reversing the truck at Rangia.

Bikers and people along the highway followed the truck.

According to the driver’s statement to police, he was caught and severely beaten by the mob after the front tyre of the truck burst when he reached Kumarikata. Kumarikata police rescued him.

The truck was travelling to Samdrupjongkhar from Gomtu carrying cement.

Officials in Samdrupjongkhar said health officials and police were sent to the area to rescue the victim as soon as Indian counterparts informed them.

“But it was found that Kumarikata police have evacuated the victim to Guwahati hospital as he sustained a head injury and a cut above the right ear,” an official from Samdrupjongkhar police said.

Officials also said that the health officials and police personnel then went to Guwahati to find out whether the victim was admitted in hospital and brought him to Samdrupjongkhar after finding him in one of the government hospitals. He was in stable condition and currently under observation in Samdrupjongkhar hospital.

It was learnt that the agitated mob along the highway also damaged the passenger bus by pelting stones but all passengers were safe.

Jomotshangkha bus driver, Sangay Chophel, said two bikers threw stones at the bus and broke the front glass when he reached Tamalpur. He was driving from Jomotshangkha and Tamalpur is about 32kms from Samdrupjongkhar.

Police officials said that Bhutanese drivers travelling along the Indian highway on daily basis should to be cautious and slow down the speed. “We always inform our Bhutanese travellers to follow the traffic rules and visit the nearest police station in case of accidents.”

Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar