Bhubaneswar hit-and-run case: Absconding SUV driver arrested, hunt still on for ‘Mahindra Thar’ driver

Police, on Friday, arrested the driver of the Scorpio SUV involved in the Patrapada hit-and-run case that claimed the lives of a woman and her 8-year-old daughter, even as the hunt continues for the driver of the Thar.

The incident, which occurred on the night of Raksha Bandhan, involved reckless street racing in the state capital and sparked outrage across Bhubaneswar.

Scorpio Driver in Custody, Thar Driver at Large

According to Khandagiri police, two persons were taken into custody on Friday in connection with the case. They were identified as 22-year-old Ankit Sahu of Gangapada in Khordha district, who was allegedly driving the Scorpio, and his associate, Krushnachandra Pradhan of Pentakata in Puri district.

Authorities added that Ankit was racing the Scorpio alongside the Mahindra Thar SUV when the fatal crash took place near Patrapada Square.

Police have since traced and seized the Thar from the Jatni area, where it had been abandoned, but the driver remains untraced. His identity has not yet been confirmed, and questions remain over who was behind the wheel when the vehicle ploughed into the victims.

The Fatal Crash

The accident occurred when the Thar, allegedly overspeeding, rammed into 35-year-old Rebati Raul, her son, and her daughter, Reshma.

The eight-year-old girl died on the spot, while Rebati succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar two days later. Her son continues to undergo treatment at a private hospital.

Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced an ex gratia of Rs 8 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the bereaved family, with Rs 4 lakh each for the deceased. Despite the government’s assurance, public anger remains high over the pace of the investigation.