Tension flared in the Khannagar area of Odisha's Cuttack on Saturday night after an elderly man died on the spot when he was hit by a four-wheeler. The fatal incident triggered unrest in the locality, with residents staging a protest at the accident site.

According to reports, the agitated locals vandalised the vehicle involved, placed the victim’s body on the road, and demanded compensation for the bereaved family.

Badambadi Police reached the spot and held a discussion with the protesters before recovering the body and sending it for a post-mortem. The authorities later announced an ex gratia of Rs 25,000 for the family of the deceased, following which the road blockade was lifted. The body was subsequently shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for examination.

Details of the Incident

The deceased sold street snacks along with his wife in the same area for a considerable period. According to local accounts, the accident occurred in a stretch that has still under construction for nearly two years, which contributed to the mishap. 

The driver involved reportedly hails from the Kalyani Nagar area. He is said to have hit a soil mound on the roadside, lost control of the vehicle, veered off course and struck the elderly man. At the time of the accident, the victim’s wife had gone to fetch water, which likely saved her from harm.

Driver Intercepted by Locals

The driver was intercepted by local residents shortly after the collision and was beaten by the crowd. Badambadi Police rescued him from the situation, took him to the police station, and interrogated him.

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Meanwhile, outraged locals damaged the vehicle and blocked the road. Senior officials, including the SP and Additional DCP, arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.