Mob sets 3 trucks on fire after 2 artistes killed in road mishap

Cuttack: Tension ran high in Salepur area after irate locals set afire three trucks on fire protesting death of two artistes in a road mishap near Tarata-Katilo under Nemalo police limits of Cuttack district late Thursday night.

As per reports, three youths- Jyoti Ranjan Das and Dilip Das of Dailo village along with Srikant Das- were riding on two bikes towards Nemalo from Tarata Bazaar when a truck mowed them down near Katilo village.

While Jyoti Ranjan Das and Dilip Das were killed on the spot, Srikant sustained grievous injuries but survived the accident. He was initially admitted to Nischintakoili PHC and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital as his condition continued to deteriorate.

Sources said, all the three were local artistes and returning home after staging a performance at Tarata Bazaar.

Following the mishap, the driver of the truck fled the spot. Aggrieved locals present at the spot staged a demonstration by blocking the road. The situation went out of control as the mob torched three trucks parked on the roadside.

Subsequently, Nemalo police rushed to the spot after receiving information and managed to pacify the agitating locals. Fire personnel also reached the accident site and doused the fire in the truck.