A tragic accident in Balangir claimed the life of Simran Sadangi, a first-year student of Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital.
A speed bike hit her in front of the college on Sunday, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and later shifted to Bargarh Vikash Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries late at night.
Simran, a native of Koraput district, had been studying Ayurveda in Balangir. Police detained the biker involved in the crash at Balangir Town police station. Students said reckless driving by speed bikers and intoxicated riders has become a recurring menace in the city, especially along the VIP road near the college.
Following the news of her death, grief spread across the campus. Students staged a protest in front of the college, demanding immediate traffic safety measures. They accused police of ignoring repeated appeals for stricter enforcement. In 2023, the college student union had submitted a memorandum to police seeking traffic control near the campus, but no action followed.
Additional Tahsildar reached the protest site and held discussions with the agitating students. The incident has reignited public anger over rising road accidents in Balangir and the lack of preventive steps by authorities.
