A sanitation worker lost his life in a tragic road accident near Randa on NH‑57 in Sonepur district early Sunday morning.
The victim, identified as Tankadhar Tandia of Jamapali village under Puintala police limits, was employed with Balangir Municipality. He was cycling to town for morning duty when a speeding pickup van rammed into him, dragging him before crashing into a tree.
Tankadhar died on the spot. The pickup overturned after the collision, and the driver fled the scene. Police seized the body and sent it for post‑mortem.
Angry villagers, led by ward member Daitari Panda, staged a blockade on the national highway demanding Rs 50 lakh compensation for the bereaved family and immediate arrest of the driver.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Raids are underway to trace the absconding driver.
