SHILLONG, NOV 19: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge transport and urban affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday visited the two North‑Eastern Hill University (NEHU) students admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Nazareth Hospital after being hit by an overspeeding car inside the campus.
He announced the government’s decision to ensure full medical coverage for both the students – Daritngen Pohdukhei and Stephanie Shadap.
“It was a very horrifying and tragic incident,” Dhar told reporters.
“The family members have informed the government, and it is the duty of the government to look into the matter, especially when it is related to our youth.”
He added, “The condition of one of the girls is now stable while the other is still serious.”
Asked, Dhar said, “The government has decided to bear the entire medical expenditure for both the students.”
He also indicated for a possible out-of-state referral saying, “If they cannot be treated here within two‑three days, the government will refer them to hospitals outside the state.”
The deputy chief minister informed that the police have arrested the accused person identified as Permen M Sangma – a security guard of NEIGRIHMS – responsible for the accident.
“There are different sections, and the law will take its own course. We are taking this incident very seriously from the government side,” he said while extending the state government’s prayers and solidarity to the injured students and their families.
The horrifying incident had taken place at Gate No 2 on Monday evening.
The state police have registered an attempt to murder against Sangma, whose medical report had revealed that he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem had emphasized that this is not a simple traffic case and further investigation is required to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CCTV footage showed the car speeding towards the students, who were walking on the road. Before that, the car first crashed into a scooty and then into the gate.
By Our Reporter
