Overview
- A speeding car ran into a roadside group of more than 20 rural workers near Alisher village on the Lehragaga–Jakhal road, killing eight people and injuring 12, officials said; the district reported the incident on Sunday.
- Victims were labourers employed under national and state rural work schemes, many of them women from Alisher village who were taking a break when the vehicle struck them.
- Police seized the car and opened a forensic inquiry and an FIR, while authorities said the driver fled the scene and are conducting raids to arrest the accused though some outlets later reported an arrest.
- Eyewitnesses and rescuers alleged ambulances took about an hour to arrive and said some victims waited for help, claims that have driven local protests and remain under verification by officials.
- Punjab leaders announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased and free medical care for the injured, and the case has renewed calls to improve roadside safety for scheme workers who often perform tasks beside busy roads.