A dramatic scene unfolded outside Patna Junction on Sunday after a Mahindra Scorpio-N carrying five passengers toppled into a large, water-filled pothole. While the occupants escaped unhurt, the incident quickly turned political after the SUV&rsquo;s owner claimed it was part of a &ldquo;conspiracy to defame the government.&rdquo;
The pothole, created by ongoing work near the multi-modal hub and worsened by heavy rain, had reportedly been left unrepaired for nearly three weeks. Locals alleged that several two-wheelers and pedestrians had already fallen into the crater, which was neither barricaded nor marked with warning signs. A biker is also said to have slipped into the same ditch shortly after the SUV mishap.
The SUV&rsquo;s owner, Nitu Singh Choubey, held the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation responsible for negligence but added a political angle, saying the timing of the incident during election season suggested an attempt to malign the Nitish Kumar government. &ldquo;This is a conspiracy to defame the government. The authorities were aware of the pit for 20 days and yet no action was taken,&rdquo; she told reporters.
Videos of the vehicle half-submerged in murky water quickly went viral, sparking outrage on social media. Opposition leaders slammed the state government for failing to maintain basic road safety, calling the episode a symbol of governance failure. Residents of the area echoed the criticism, pointing out that the hazard posed daily risks to commuters near one of the city&rsquo;s busiest transit points.
As the controversy deepens, officials have not yet issued a formal explanation for the prolonged neglect. While the passengers escaped without injury, the incident has ignited a wider debate over civic negligence, accountability, and the politicisation of urban infrastructure woes in Bihar.

Scorpio-N sinks near Patna Junction, owner blames plot to defame Nitish govt amid polls

Patna SUV falls in pothole, sparks row

Scorpio-N sinks near Patna Junction, owner blames plot to defame Nitish govt amid polls

September 23, 2025 | 24:19 IST