A high-level three-member delegation today visited the Chakmaghat area to investigate the death of truck driver Mihir Lal Debnath, who died in a tragic accident late Wednesday night.

The delegation comprised Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey, IG (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, and Fire Service & Disaster Management Secretary LT Darlong, Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Pant and newly appointed Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Abedhanand Baidya also accompanied them during the inspection.

The officials visited the accident site, interacted with local residents, and took detailed statements from those who were the first to reach the scene. 

The committee later held separate discussions with TSR, police, medical staff, and fire service personnel involved in the rescue operation.

According to statements recorded, no one blamed the SDM for delay in action, as he was not informed about the incident until 8:30 p.m., when Teliamura OC contacted him. The SDM then alerted all Deputy Collectors, following which Biswajit Debbarma and Haripada Sarkar reached the spot. By then, Fire Service and TSR disaster response teams were already present.

However, questions have arisen over the conduct of Fire Service OC Binay Chakraborty, who allegedly was absent from the station without official leave and had gone to Udaipur. 

Upon receiving information, he reportedly returned by bike but reached the site only around 8:30 a.m. Witnesses accused him of negligence and even obstructing TSR and Apadamitra volunteers during the rescue. A woman investigator raised this concern in front of senior officers.

Despite efforts by rescue teams, the driver could not be saved. Officials said the lack of heavy equipment during the late-night operation delayed the rescue. Debnath was trapped below the waist for hours, which stopped blood circulation. When rescuers managed to create a small gap in the truck cabin, a sudden rush of blood to his upper body caused bleeding from the nose and mouth. Doctors confirmed that he died due to high blood pressure.

The committee recorded all testimonies and noted key issues but said further investigation is required. They declined to disclose additional findings at this stage.