Bhubaneswar, August 11: A tragic hit-and-run incident in Bhubaneswar-Patrapada, of capital city, took another grim turn on Monday when a woman, injured in the accident, succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The mishap had already claimed the life of her eight-year-old daughter just days earlier.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Patrapada, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, when a speeding white Thar SUV, allegedly engaged in a race with a black Scorpio, lost control and rammed into Rebati Raul, her daughter Reshma, and her son. Reshma died instantly, while Rebati and her son were rushed to AIIMS for treatment.
Following Rebati’s death, hundreds of locals gathered at Patrapada on Monday afternoon, blocking the National Highway in protest. The demonstrators demanded swift action to trace and punish the culprit.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagamohan Minna, accompanied by three IICs from local police stations, reached the protest site and assured the crowd that justice would be delivered soon.
Police have seized the Thar and identified it as belonging to a businessman from Jatni, Khurda. Preliminary investigation suggests a relative of the businessman was driving the vehicle at the time, though the exact identity of the driver remains unconfirmed. The accused is absconding, and search operations are underway.
The case has sparked public outrage, bringing road safety concerns and illegal street racing under sharp scrutiny in the city.
