A tragic accident claimed the life of a college student in Bhadrak district when an illegal sand-laden tractor rammed into her bicycle.
The victim, Shraddhanjali Panda, a second-year student of Bhandaripokhari College, was cycling to class on Thursday morning. Near Haladigadia square under Bayabanpur panchayat, a speeding tractor carrying sand struck her. She fell to the ground, and the vehicle’s rear wheel ran over her.
Bystanders rushed her to Bhandaripokhari Medical Centre, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. The incident shocked the community, especially since Shraddhanjali had recently celebrated her birthday with friends at college.
News of her death triggered intense tension at the accident site. Locals blocked the road and staged protests against illegal sand transportation, demanding strict action against the driver and enforcement against the sand mafia operating in the region.
Authorities confirmed that police registered a case and began an investigation.
