Two teen cousins killed by speeding Scorpio in Bihar's Aurangabad
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two teenage girls were killed on Thursday morning, 2 July, after a speeding Scorpio SUV lost control and struck them near Bhatari Mod under the Pauthu police station area of Aurangabad district, Bihar, as they were returning from coaching classes. The deceased have been identified as Afsari (15), daughter of Mohammad Riyazuddin, and Ashiya (15), daughter of Rustam Ali — cousins and residents of Naraula village under the Obra police station area.
How the Accident Unfolded
According to officials, the Scorpio first collided with an electric pole on the roadside, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then veered into the two students, who were travelling on bicycles along the Obra-Pauthu route. Villagers rushed the injured girls to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared both of them dead on arrival.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision and remains absconding. Police teams are actively working to apprehend the accused.
Protest and Road Blockade
Grief quickly turned to anger as family members and villagers blocked the road near Bhatari Mod, bringing traffic on the Obra-Pauthu route to a standstill for several hours. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the driver, adequate compensation for the bereaved families, and permanent road safety measures in the area. Police officials reached the spot to control the situation and begin their investigation.
FIR Registered, CCTV Footage Under Scrutiny
An FIR has been registered at Pauthu Police Station under provisions relating to rash and negligent driving. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the Scorpio's movement and establish the identity of the driver. The vehicle has not yet been recovered, according to reports.
A Recurring Road Safety Crisis
The deaths of Afsari and Ashiya are a grim reminder of Bihar's persistent road safety problem. The state has repeatedly recorded high fatality rates on rural highways, where speeding, poor lighting, and inadequate signage combine to deadly effect. Notably, victims in such incidents are frequently pedestrians and cyclists — among the most vulnerable road users. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for enforceable speed controls on district roads, particularly near schools and coaching centres.