A 500-strong mob set a sand truck on fire and staged a three-hour blockade after the vehicle ran over a cyclist in Chanho police station area, 40km from capital Ranchi, on Wednesday afternoon.

Arun Ram (50), a resident of Role village was pedalling from Bijupara to Khelari, when the truck coming from the opposite direction crushed him under its front wheels at Choreya More around 4pm.

"Angry villagers torched the truck and blocked the road as the driver fled. Vehicular movement was disrupted, prompting many to take detours," a policeman said.

Chanho thana OC Rupesh Kumar Singh admitted "a law and order situation" when contacted over phone and said the roadblock could be lifted only around 7pm.

A local resident said speeding sand trucks were always a safety concern in the area. "Those at the wheel do not bother if there are pedestrians or bikers on road. They are very reckless. Today (Wednesday), a poor worker lost his life," the resident added.

Theft cuffs

Two persons were arrested from Ramgarh on Wednesday in connection with a vehicle theft in Ranchi.

Hatia ASP Sujata Vinapani said the SUV, which was stolen from Argora police station area in the capital on February 17, had also been recovered.

"The duo, identified as Tarun Mahto and Dilip Sahu, have criminal antecedents. They were involved in 11 cases of vehicle theft. Apart from the SUV, a forged registration plate has also been seized from the men," she added.