Dibrugarh, April 21: A man was allegedly run over and killed by a truck in Powai under Digboi in Tinsukia district late Monday night, triggering widespread violence on Tuesday afternoon as hundreds of angry residents torched a vehicle and vandalised property.

The victim, 35-year-old Akash Tiwari, also known as Munna, was killed around 9.45 pm. Police said the accused, Akash Singh (38), son of a local businessman, had an altercation with Tiwari before returning to the spot in a truck and deliberately driving it into him.

Eyewitnesses alleged that Singh first knocked Tiwari down with the vehicle and then reversed and ran over him again, killing him on the spot. “He first rammed the truck into Akash Tiwari and knocked him down. Then he reversed and ran over him again,” a witness said.

Singh surrendered at Margherita Police Station later that night and was subsequently handed over to Digboi Police. The truck has been seized and a case registered.

Tension escalated on Tuesday afternoon when a mob of over 500 residents gathered in Powai, demanding justice. Protesters set an autorickshaw on fire, vandalised a car, and attacked the residence of the accused, causing extensive damage.

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene. Firefighters brought the blaze under control while security forces dispersed the crowd. Additional personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.

Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar urged residents to remain calm. “The situation is under control. We appeal to residents to maintain peace and allow the law to take its course. The accused is in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway,” he said.

The situation in Powai remained tense but largely under control by Tuesday evening.