Kolkata: A tragic road accident in South Kolkata’s Alipore area has once again underscored the critical need for road safety awareness and helmet compliance, especially among young two-wheeler riders. The incident took place around 3:20 AM on Saturday, June 22, 2025, near the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium on D L Khan Road, where a high-speed motorcycle carrying three individuals—all without helmets—skidded and crashed.
The rider, 25-year-old Sumit Prasad from Narendrapur, lost control of the bike and was declared dead on arrival at SSKM Hospital. His two pillion riders, Sailesh Giri (23) and Mukesh Roy, also from the same locality, suffered injuries. While Sailesh is reported to be in critical condition, Mukesh was discharged after treatment. According to preliminary investigations by the Kolkata Police, the crash occurred due to a combination of speeding, lack of safety gear, and possibly slippery road conditions at the time. None of the three had helmets on, which likely contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained.
Authorities have filed a case under the Motor Vehicles Act and are continuing to examine surveillance footage and witness accounts to understand the complete sequence of events. The incident adds to the growing number of fatalities involving two-wheelers in India, a trend that has sparked concern among traffic enforcement agencies and urban planners. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and increased patrolling, compliance with helmet laws remains poor in Kolkata, particularly during late-night hours when traffic enforcement is reduced. The Kolkata Traffic Police have reiterated the need for strict enforcement of helmet rules, citing data that shows a sharp rise in two-wheeler deaths over the past five years. In 2024, more than 40% of road accident deaths in India involved two-wheelers, with lack of helmet use cited as a major contributing factor.
Urban safety experts have called for targeted education programs, especially for younger riders, and stricter penalties for violations. They argue that road safety should be a shared responsibility involving riders, families, schools, and communities. Following this latest accident, residents of Alipore and surrounding areas have demanded better street lighting, improved road signage, and regular police patrols, particularly in accident-prone zones. Sumit Prasad’s death has sent shockwaves through the Narendrapur community, where he was known as a hardworking and cheerful young man.
Friends and relatives have expressed grief and regret, many of them acknowledging that basic precautions—like wearing a helmet—could have saved his life. His untimely death has reignited calls for more serious discussions on implementing night-time speed checks, enforcing helmet laws without leniency, and educating riders through both digital media and grassroots initiatives. Experts also recommend introducing stricter licensing tests and mandatory helmet fittings at the point of vehicle purchase. As the city continues to expand and traffic volume increases, ensuring safe travel for two-wheeler users has become a public safety priority.
While infrastructure improvements are ongoing, behavioral change remains the most significant challenge. Authorities believe that creating a culture of responsibility and awareness among bikers is crucial to curbing avoidable fatalities. With increasing numbers of youths opting for motorcycles and scooters due to affordability and convenience, the focus must now shift to safety education and community engagement. The tragic loss of Sumit Prasad is a painful reminder that one moment of negligence can lead to irreversible consequences. It is a call to action for all stakeholders—riders, families, law enforcement, and the government—to collectively build a safer road environment in Kolkata and beyond.
