TV
In a major breakthrough in the Patrapada hit-and-run case that shocked Bhubaneswar on Raksha Bandhan, police on Sunday seized the Mahindra Thar SUV suspected of killing an eight-year-old girl and critically injuring her mother and brother during an alleged ‘street race’ with a Scorpio on Saturday.
According to sources, the SUV was discovered abandoned in Kusumati, within Jatni police limits, late last night. Police believe the driver fled immediately after the August 9 crash, leaving the vehicle in a residential area. Reports also indicated that the SUV belongs to a local resident of Kusumati.
How the Crash Happened
The fatal accident occurred near a popular mall in Patrapada in Bhubaneswar when the family, comprising a mother, her son, and her eight-year-old daughter, were returning home after celebrating Raksha Bandhan at a relative’s house.
According to eyewitnesses, two SUVs, a Mahindra Thar and a Scorpio, were allegedly racing each other at high speed when the Thar hit the pedestrians. The girl died on the spot. Her mother and brother sustained serious injuries and were rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where they remain in critical condition.
Reports had also added that both vehicles fled without stopping to help, with the police now uncovering that the driver of the Thar ditched the vehicle near Jatani.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the seizure of the Thar, Commissionerate Police have intensified efforts to trace the driver. The Scorpio allegedly involved is also under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, officials from the Regional Transport Office-II (RTO) and Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) have arrived at the site and are examining the seized SUV for forensic and mechanical evidence.
The incident has sparked public anger, with residents demanding strict action against those responsible and tougher penalties for illegal street racing. Police have also stated that it is scanning CCTV and AI camera footage to trace the culprits.
