Passenger bus worth Rs 2 crore set ablaze in Rourkela, police probe launched

Miscreants set a passenger bus on fire in Odisha's Rourkela late Thursday night, raising concerns over vehicle safety in the area. The incident took place under the Tangarpali police station limits, where a newly purchased bus worth around Rs 2 crore was targeted.

According to reports, the miscreants first smashed the window panes of the parked bus and then set it ablaze. The fire spread rapidly, resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle. On receiving information, a team from Rourkela Fire Services rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control. However, by the time the fire was doused, the bus had been completely gutted.

Fire services personnel also found indications that the miscreants had attempted to set another bus on fire at the same location. While the windows of the second bus were damaged, it was saved from major losses as the fire did not spread further.

Police Probe Underway

Police launched an investigation soon after receiving information about the incident. Officers reached the spot and initiated a preliminary inquiry to determine the sequence of events and identify those involved. No arrests had been made in connection with the case at the time of reporting.

Owner Rules Out Personal Rivalry

The owner of the buses said there was no known rivalry or dispute that could have led to the attack. He added that he did not suspect any individual or group behind the incident and expressed hope that the police would identify the culprits at the earliest.