TV
Eleven days after the tragic hit-and-run incident that killed a woman and her 8-year-old daughter in Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, the accused driver remains at large. Despite the completion of final rites, the victim’s family is still awaiting justice.
Also Read: Bhubaneswar Thar horror: After 8-year-old girl’s death, mother also succumbs to injuries during treatment
According to sources, the grieving family of Rebati Raul and her 8-year-old daughter Reshma Raul has completed the Suddhakriya (Dasah rituals), but justice continues to elude them. Eleven days have passed since the fatal incident, yet the main accused—driver Somnath Behera—has not been arrested by Khandagiri police.
The tragedy had occurred on August 9, during Rakhi Purnima (Raksha Bandhan), near Patrapada locality, when a speeding white-coloured Thar (SUV) vehicle hit the victims while allegedly racing with a black Scorpio (another SUV). Reshma died on the spot, while Rebati succumbed to her injuries at the hospital on August 11. However, her 3-year-old son has survived the incident.
The Thar vehicle involved in the fatal crash has been seized by police. However, Somnath Behera, identified as both the vehicle’s owner and driver, remains absconding. He has now moved Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail, prompting further criticism of the police’s handling of the case.
In connection with ‘aiding’ Somnath’s escape, the local police have arrested Krushnachandra Pradhan and the driver of the Scorpio, Ankit Shaw, who was allegedly involved in the illegal street racing. Both have been forwarded to court.
Meanwhile, widespread public outrage and the victim's family’s frustration have centred on a key question: Why has Somnath not been arrested? The police have filed a case under serious sections of the BNS, but tangible progress appears slow.
The case has raised concerns about rising cases of street racing in the Capital City, police inefficiency, and the lack of accountability in fatal road accidents.
No comments were received from the Khandagiri police in this regard.
