Protests in Hastings over youth's motorcycle crash; family alleges police mishandling

Tension escalated in Hastings after the tragic death of 22-year-old Nishant Choudhury in a motorcycle crash, igniting protests from local residents. The accident occurred around 3 AM when Nishant was riding his bike with a female passenger. Eyewitness reports indicate that the motorcycle collided with two trailers passing through the area. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and transported Nishant, who was severely injured, to SSKM Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by doctors.

Nishant’s family expressed deep frustration over the police’s handling of the situation. They received a distressing phone call informing them that Nishant's condition was critical. Upon arriving at the hospital, they were met with the devastating news of his death. The family claimed that when they attempted to file a complaint, the police delayed the acceptance for nearly three hours. They also alleged that the police provided misleading information about the incident, particularly regarding the non-functional CCTV cameras in the area.

The family is questioning the police's assertion that all 19 CCTV cameras located around the crash site were out of order, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the accident. "How can all these cameras fail simultaneously in such a crucial area?" they asked, expressing fears that vital evidence may have been lost. This has led to widespread speculation and suspicions of foul play, particularly regarding the role of the police in the incident.

Further complicating matters, the identity of the woman riding with Nishant remains uncertain. Initially, she claimed to be a driver for an app-based motorcycle service. However, Nishant's personal belongings were discovered on his bike, casting doubt on her narrative. Additionally, her statements have reportedly changed during subsequent interactions with the family, leading to increased skepticism about her involvement in the accident.

As protests continued throughout the day, demonstrators gathered outside the Hastings police station, demanding accountability from the authorities. They called for a thorough investigation into the crash and for the police to provide clear answers regarding their actions.