State Women’s Commission visits Panagarh victim’s home, family seeks justice

A three-member delegation from the State Women’s Commission visited the residence of Sutandra Chattopadhyay in Nadua, Chandannagar, following her death in a road accident near Panagarh. The delegation, led by commission member Sujata Pakrashi Lahiri and accompanied by two male representatives, arrived on Monday and spent nearly an hour at the victim’s home. They first spoke with Sutandra’s mother and later interacted with other family members.

Sutandra, who ran an event management company in Panagarh, was traveling to Gaya with three colleagues when her vehicle was allegedly chased and rammed twice by another car on National Highway 19. According to the driver, the accused vehicle followed them from a petrol pump in Budbud, where its occupants allegedly harassed Sutandra before repeatedly hitting their car, causing it to overturn. The incident took place around 12:30 AM, and Sutandra was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Kanksa police have seized both vehicles involved, but the suspects remain absconding.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol pump and nearby areas while also tracking mobile tower data to identify the accused. Officials have stated that the accident resulted from a scuffle, denying any incident of harassment. However, no arrests have been made so far. The case has raised concerns over highway security, with authorities investigating the exact sequence of events and determining whether additional charges related to harassment and reckless endangerment will be applied.