Panic gripped Debidanga this afternoon when two Class 6 girl students of a private school narrowly escaped a frightening incident involving a toto driver.
The students were traveling home in their usual route towards Anchal, Champasari side when the vehicle reportedly diverted towards the opposite direction, leading to Doon Heritage. When the girls questioned the sudden change in route, the driver allegedly accelerated. Fearing for her safety, one of the students reportedly jumped off the moving vehicle.
A teacher travelling in another toto behind the vehicle noticed the situation and immediately intervened. The teacher managed to stop the vehicle and question the driver. On being questioned, the driver claimed he was trying to pick up another passenger, but eyewitnesses noted that he appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants.
Locals present at the scene further reported that the driver discarded a small packet before being surrounded by onlookers. The packet was later found to contain a syringe needle. Police were called immediately, and the driver was taken into custody for further investigation.
The incident has caused widespread concern in the locality, especially in light of recent reports of suspected child kidnapping attempts in parts of Sikkim and North Bengal. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain cautious, though no official statement has been issued yet regarding the circumstances or motives behind the incident.
Police have confirmed that the case is under investigation, and they are reviewing all possible angles to determine if any further action is required. Residents and local schools have expressed heightened concern over student safety and transport security following the incident.
