​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: Following a month-long manhunt, Khandagiri Police on Wednesday arrested the owner of the Thar vehicle involved in the fatal hit-and-run accident in Patrapada area of Bhubaneswar, which claimed the lives of two people including an eight-year-old girl.

The arrestee has been identified as Somnath Behera, a resident of Jatni.

According to reports, the accident took place on Raksha Bandhan in Patrapada under Khandagiri police limits. An eight-year-old girl died instantly, while two others, including her mother, were injured. Unfortunately, her mother later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

The police had earlier arrested three individuals related to the case and sent them to court.

However, the vehicle owner had been absconding for over a month and a half following the accident. Acting on a tip-off regarding his presence, police conducted a raid and arrested Behera from Puri.

The arrest followed widespread protests and roadblocks by the victim’s family and local residents demanding justice.

Further investigations into the matter are ongoing.