Two close friends died in a tragic road accident in Katihar on Sunday. The incident occurred near Balkhwa Morh on State Highway-77 when the duo was on their way to fill petrol in their motorcycle. Their bike collided head-on with another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.

The deceased have been identified as Ashish Kumar Yadav, son of Banke Yadav, and Sumit Kumar, son of Bablu Yadav, both residents of Pothia. Both were 11th-grade science students and were preparing for the IIT entrance examination. Neighbors described them as calm and studious. Their untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the entire village. Neighbor Ajay stated that the first day of Navratri proved to be a 'black day' for Pothia Panchayat. The accident took place on the road leading to Tika Patti, near Balkhwa, before Naraiya petrol pump, resulting in the spot death of both youths.

Upon receiving information about the accident, Pothia Station House Officer Naveen Kumar arrived at the scene. The police have sent both bodies to Katihar Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. The driver of the other motorcycle was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police for questioning. It is reported that the other bike's driver was also injured in the accident but is in stable condition. Both deceased were the younger brothers in their respective families, and their families are in deep shock and grief.