Bhubaneswar hit-and-run case: Police shielding Thar owner by taking money, allege victims' family members

"We want stern action against the accused. Hang him till death.He ruined our family, our life," demanded a relative of the deceased duo killed in Bhubaneswar Patrapada hit-and-run incident on August 9.

On the fateful day, a Thar, reportedly struck Reshma Raul and Rebati Raul. While Reshma died on the spot, Rebati sustained critical injuries and succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The capital punishment demand for accused Behera came soon after police arrested the accused, identified as Somnath Behera, from Puri after 45 days of the incident. Hundreds of relatives of the deceased and locals rushed to Khandagiri police station, where accused Somnath Behera was brought soon after the arrest. 

"He (Somnath Behera) killed my daughter and my granddaughter. He must be punished. We demand stringent punishment for the accused," said mother of deceased Rebati Raul.

"Why has the polic brought him here? The police is shielding the accused by taking money. We have no faith in the police," alleged a relative of the deceased duo.

She further alleged that the accused Thar owner is being treated like a VIP inside the police station. "The accused is sitting in AC inside the police station and we will now sit outisde the PS in protest," she said.

The police is yet to respond to the allegations brought by the family members, relative and locals of the deceased.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar hit-and-run case: Thar owner nabbed from Puri after 45 days; capital punishment demanded

Bhubaneswar Hit-and-Run Case Details

On the night of August 9 this year, a Thar, reportedly racing alongside a Scorpio, struck eight-year-old Reshma Raul, her mother Rebati Raul, and the child’s brother.

While Reshma died on the spot, her mother and brother were critically injured and rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. 

Rebati succumbed to her injuries days later, raising the death toll to two, while her son continued treatment at a private hospital.

Earlier, police had detained Ankit Sahu, the Scorpio driver, and his associate Krushnachandra Pradhan in connection with the case.