A tragic road accident on Kolkata's Basanti Highway on Tuesday (September 2, 2025) morning shook the entire city. 32-year-old Mohammad Tajuddin was seriously injured in a collision between the pilot car of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Shaukat Moola's convoy and a motorcycle and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The pilot car hit an electric pole in the accident, injuring the driver as well. The police have started an investigation into the claim of brake failure, while the incident has raised questions over safety standards. Accident details The accident took place on Basanti Highway near Bamangatta around 11 am, when TMC MLA Shaukat Moola from Kannur assembly seat was travelling from Bhangar to Kolkata with his convoy. The pilot car of the Kolkata Police, which was leading the convoy, collided with the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The collision was so severe that the motorcycle was completely destroyed, and the rider, Mohammad Tajuddin, a resident of Karaiya Thana area of South Kolkata, fell to the ground and sustained serious injuries. The injured Tajuddin was immediately shifted to the trauma care unit of SSKM Hospital. He was pronounced dead by doctors in the afternoon. After the collision, the pilot car lost control and hit a nearby electric pole, badly damaging its front end and injuring the driver, who was admitted to a local hospital in Bhangar. MLA Shaukat Mola expressed deep grief and said: “This accident happened due to brake failure. We are with the affected family.” Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Traffic YS Jagannath Rao said that the Lider Complex police station has registered a case, and other evidence, including CCTV footage, is being examined. Initial reports mention brake failure, but a technical examination of the vehicle is being conducted to find out the final cause. Background and Reaction The incident raises questions about road safety in Kolkata and the high-speed travel of political convoys. Local residents complained that the high speed of VIP convoys often leads to accidents. An X user wrote: ‘There is a need to control the speed of convoys on Basanti Highway.’ BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that ‘the government should take action on road safety.’ Standards should be implemented.’ TMC termed it an accident and announced financial assistance to the affected family. Experts warned that such incidents are increasing due to lack of traffic management on Basanti Highway and lack of regular maintenance of vehicles. Police have appealed to the public to provide CCTV footage or other evidence so that the investigation can be completed. “This is a heartbreaking incident. We will provide all possible help to the affected family.” — Shaukat Moula, TMC MLA References The Indian Express, NDTV, The Hindu, Times of India, The Statesman, X Post
