Narrow escape for Rakesh Tikait as car collides with nilgai in UP's Muzaffarnagar

Farmer leader and national spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union, Rakesh Tikait, had a narrow escape in Muzaffarnagar district when a nilgai collided with the front portion of his vehicle, officials said on Saturday.

According to Tikait, the accident took place when his vehicle was near the Meerpur bypass road. A nilgai suddenly appeared on the road and collided with his car, even as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader escaped unhurt.

On getting information, Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Agarwal and Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha MP Harendra Singh Malik visited Tikait's residence to check on the farmer leader.

Speaking to reporters at his residence, Tikait said the nilgai jumped on to the rod from the wrong side and collided with his vehicle.

“We were wearing seat belts, which gave us extra security. Everyone must wear a seat belt. Had the vehicle been smaller, and if we were not wearing seat belts, the damage could have been greater.

“My gunman sustained minor injuries. The wild animals move at a fast speed,” Tikait said, as he urged people not to drive at a high speed.