A tragic hit-and-run incident at Patrapada Square on Rakhi Purnima (August 8, 2025) has left the city in shock. An 8-year-old girl, Reshma Raul, lost her life on the spot, while her mother, Rebati Raul, succumbed to injuries two days later during treatment. The victims’ 2-year-old son, Mahi Raul, remains in critical condition in the ICU at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Four days after the accident, the police have recovered the Thar vehicle involved from Jatni but have yet to apprehend the accused driver. The vehicle, registered under Somnath Behera from Kusumati, was seized from an abandoned location after extensive searches and CCTV analysis from a 2-km radius, as no cameras were installed at the accident site. Despite these efforts, the suspect remains at large, and it is unclear whether Behera himself was driving at the time of the incident.
Adding fuel to public outrage, a video allegedly showing Behera with a liquor bottle while driving has gone viral on social media. Though the video’s date and authenticity are unverified, it has sparked suspicion that the driver may have been under the influence, driving recklessly on the day of the accident. The lack of CCTV at Patrapada Square has further complicated the investigation, drawing criticism from locals demanding stricter traffic regulations and surveillance.
The Bhubaneswar Regional Transport Office (RTO-2), under which the vehicle is registered, has vowed to cancel the driver’s license once the accused is arrested and proven guilty. RTO officer Sanat Kumar Jena stated, “The vehicle is registered under OD-33 (Bhubaneswar RTO-2). Upon confirmation of the driver’s culpability, we will take strict action, including license cancellation.” The Transport Department has also sought a detailed report from RTO officials.
Public anger has intensified, with social media platforms buzzing with calls for harsher penalties for drunk driving and better traffic enforcement. Locals argue that such incidents highlight the need for robust traffic control measures and CCTV coverage at key junctions. The police, led by DCP Jagmohan Meena, continue their investigation, analysing additional CCTV footage to trace the suspect.
This heartbreaking incident has raised serious questions about road safety and accountability in Bhubaneswar, with citizens demanding justice for the Raul family and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
