Mumbai, Aug 22: A 15-year-old girl was injured in a hit-and-run incident near Mumbai’s Vile Parle, officials said on Saturday, adding that the motorcyclist involved in the accident fled the spot and remains absconding.

According to the information available, the incident took place on NS Road No 1 near Mithibai College in Vile Parle when the teenager was crossing the road. A speeding motorcycle allegedly struck the girl before the rider fled the scene without stopping to assist her.

The accident reportedly occurred during the usual rush hour, when the road was witnessing regular traffic movement. The girl was crossing the road when the motorcycle suddenly approached at high speed and hit her, leaving her injured on the road.

The injured teenager was left lying on the road before assistance reached her.

Mumbai’s Juhu Police Station has registered a case against an unidentified person and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Police officials are currently working to identify the motorcyclist responsible for the accident and determine the circumstances that led to the collision.

Soon after receiving information about the incident, police personnel rushed to the spot and arranged for the injured girl to be taken to a nearby hospital.

She is currently undergoing treatment, while further details regarding the extent of her injuries are awaited.

Meanwhile, the police have launched a search operation to trace the biker who fled after the accident.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage recorded by cameras installed near the accident site in an effort to identify the motorcycle and its rider.

Officials are checking footage from shops, buildings, junctions and other locations surrounding NS Road No. 1 and the area near Mithibai College.

Police have expressed confidence that the accused will be identified and arrested soon.

New Delhi, Aug 22: BJP leaders on Saturday stepped up their criticism of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of failing to discharge his responsibilities and questioning his stance on the Vande Mataram issue. At the same time, Trinamool MP Saugata Roy praised Rahul Gandhi for taking up the cause of protesting students and described his intervention in getting an FIR filed in the pellet gun use case as a major achievement.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh, speaking in Mumbai, claimed Rahul Gandhi had not fulfilled the responsibilities associated with the post of Leader of Opposition. Referring to recent developments, Singh accused the Opposition of raising the Vande Mataram issue for political purposes.

Singh said, “Rahul Gandhi is unfortunately the Leader of Opposition of India, but he has never fulfilled the duties of a LoP. Yesterday’s incident was related to the pellet-gun case to remain in the media. The Opposition is talking about Vande Mataram. Even in 1937, it was removed under the pressure of Jinnah. And now Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of the country. He worked to restore it…”

In West Bengal, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also targeted LoP Gandhi over his political activities, questioning his decision to visit other places instead of Jharkhand, where students have been protesting over issues concerning them.

Ghosh said, “He isn’t going to Jharkhand, where students are protesting for their own interest. Their government is in power there, and the decision taken by the government was proven wrong by the court. So now, there is nothing left for Rahul Gandhi to do…”

BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas said, “Yesterday, there was entire FIR drama of Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police Station over the so-called Jantar Mantar fiasco. I would like to say to Rahul Gandhi, there was a drama in the late 80s and 90s called ‘Bakra Kishton Pe’. Now, what you are doing is ‘politics kishton pe’. This is what is happening. You are not a full-time politician, sir. You come at your leisure, do some drama, and go away. This is what you have done.”

However, Trinamool MP Saugata Roy defended LoP Gandhi’s intervention in the students’ protest and praised his role in raising the issue of filing of an FIR over the pellet gun issue.

Roy said, “I am happy that Rahul Gandhi, as a Leader of the Opposition, fought for the students’ cause. He staged a protest for nine hours, and finally, an FIR was registered regarding the police action and police atrocities against the students. This is a major achievement for Rahul Gandhi.”

The contrasting reactions highlight the political divide over Gandhi’s recent actions, with BJP leaders questioning his role as LoP while the Trinamool has backed his intervention on behalf of protesting students.

Hyderabad, Aug 22: Two people were killed, and several others were seriously injured after a reactor blast triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical unit in Telangana’s Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, officials said on Saturday.

According to the police, the incident occurred late on Friday night while workers were changing shifts.

The pharma company is located in the Pochampally mandal area, according to police.

“A tragic industrial accident occurred late on Friday night at Hazelo Lab Private Limited, a pharma unit near Dothigudem in Pochampally mandal. A reactor explosion resulted in the deaths of two employees and left several others injured,” an official told media.

Upon receiving the information, police and the fire department, along with rescue and relief officials, reached the spot, officials said.

They added that the workers were rescued and the injured were admitted to the nearest hospitals for treatment. Two were declared dead by the medical officials.

The blaze triggered by the blast was brought under control by the fire officials.

Police said that a case has been registered and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The cause of the blast is unknown, and officials are investigating to determine what could have led to the tragedy, police said.

Further details are awaited.

In a separate incident, a blast occurred at a factory in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, killing three engineers and leaving one injured.

The explosion occurred late on Friday at Maa Chhinnamastika Cement and Ispat Private Limited, a sponge-iron factory located in Hehal, under Patratu block of the Ramgarh district, officials said.

According to officials, the fire broke out during production work at the power plant site of the factory. This caused panic among the workers in the night shift.

Upon receiving the information, police and the fire department arrived at the scene and rescued the workers. However, three engineers and the workers were trapped inside the factory.

The injured have been shifted to the nearest hospital.

The factory management has said that the cause of the blast is likely overheating in the plant.