Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait narrowly escaped a road accident on Holi (March 14). While traveling with his workers, a nilgai suddenly jumped in front of his car, causing the driver to lose control in an attempt to avoid it. The front portion of the vehicle was severely damaged, but Tikait's life was saved due to the airbags deploying. All the passengers in the car, including Tikait, remained unharmed.
The accident occurred on the Muzaffarnagar-Shamli road in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district. Tikait had visited his village, Sisauli, on March 14 to celebrate Holi, where he met his family and well-wishers and exchanged festive greetings. After playing Holi, he was returning to Muzaffarnagar with his workers when the accident took place near the Peenna bypass.
As the nilgai suddenly appeared on the road, the driver struggled to control the vehicle. Despite his efforts, the car collided with the animal, severely damaging its front section. Fortunately, all eight airbags deployed upon impact, preventing a major tragedy. The nilgai, however, died on the spot.
Following the accident, Tikait’s supporters rushed to the scene. He is completely safe but has expressed concern over the increasing presence of wild animals on roads, posing a risk to travelers.