Capital Police have arrested two persons in connection with the vandalism of three Ama Bus vehicles in the Ashok Nagar area on January 23, following a road accident in which one of the buses allegedly hit a motorcycle.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Pradeep Kumar Das (58) and P Krishna Reddy (20), both residents of Kalibadi Basti. Police said they were identified through CCTV footage and other technical evidence.
According to the FIR lodged by Ama Bus driver Gouri Shankar Nayak of Naraj Depot in Cuttack, a group of local residents and auto-rickshaw drivers surrounded the bus after the accident, abused the driver, threatened him with dire consequences and pelted the vehicle with bricks, stones and other objects. The windshield and several window panes were damaged in the attack.
The mob’s anger spilled over to two other Ama Buses plying on the same route, which were also targeted and damaged. Passengers on board the buses were terrified, and some sustained minor injuries from broken glass. Drivers and conductors fled the scene fearing for their lives.
Police rushed to the spot, rescued the drivers and buses, and brought the situation under control with the help of additional force. A mild lathi-charge was used to disperse the crowd. A damaged bus and a red motorcycle were seized as evidence.
A case has been registered under sections related to rioting, vandalism, causing damage to public property, obstructing government servants from discharging duty, and other relevant charges. The two accused will be produced in court while further investigation continues.
DCP Takes Serious View
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena, who personally reached the spot, described the vandalism as an “anti-social act” that would not be tolerated. “Accidents happen — even private vehicles are involved in accidents. But no one can take the law into their own hands or indulge in vandalism on the pretext of an accident,” he said. He assured strict action against all those involved.
Rising Concerns Over Frequent Accidents
The incident has once again highlighted public concern over repeated accidents involving Ama Buses. Within 24 hours, another Ama Bus was involved in a collision with a scooty near Patrapada depot on January 24 morning, injuring the two-wheeler rider who was admitted to hospital. Locals briefly blocked the depot, demanding action against reckless driving.
Launched by the Odisha government to provide eco-friendly public transport using petrol, diesel and electric buses, the Ama Bus service aims to reduce urban traffic congestion. However, frequent accidents have raised questions about driver training and road safety measures. Social media users and local leaders have expressed anger over perceived reckless driving, with some alleging that several drivers lack proper licences.
Legislators and residents have demanded stricter monitoring, better driver training and immediate suspension of errant drivers to prevent loss of innocent lives.
