5 kanwariyas killed as vehicle falls into waterlogged pit in Bihar's Bhagalpur

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Five kanwariya pilgrims were killed in Bihar's Bhagalpur district as their vehicle fell into a water-logged pit by the roadside, an official said on Monday.

The incident took place on Sunday night in Shahkund block, Sub Divisional Magistrate (Sadar) Vikas Kumar said.

"Apparently, the vehicle was moving at a high speed despite rain, and the driver lost control. The vehicle and its occupants were fished out by police personnel with the help of locals. All five occupants, including the driver, were rushed to the nearby hospital, where they were declared brought dead," he said.

The deceased were all local residents, and on the way to a shrine in neighbouring Banka district, he said. Kumar repudiated reports that the deaths were caused by electrocution after the vehicle had come in contact with a high-tension wire.

He said the local residents had angrily staged a demonstration, blocking traffic on the road, but normal traffic was restored "after officials concerned visited the site and pacified them".

"The next of kin of each deceased will get ex-gratia as per the policy of the state government. Any formal complaints from the bereaved family members will also be registered at the police station concerned, and appropriate action will follow," he added.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families.