A late‑night traffic accident near Shastri Nagar Square has left one dead and triggered public anger after a speeding Mercedes, allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol, rammed into a motorcycle.
The victim, identified as Debiprasad Routray of Nishchintkoili, Kataka, was returning home when the luxury car struck his bike head‑on. The impact was so severe that the motorcycle was shattered, and Rout succumbed to injuries on the spot.
Police said the car was driven by Soumya Ranjan Rath, son of a builder, who has been arrested. A young woman accompanying him was sent to a short‑stay home. The vehicle has been seized, and a case has been registered under Kharavel Nagar PS Case No. 512/2026.
Eyewitnesses alleged the duo were intoxicated, and locals attempted to attack them before police intervened. The crowd also tried to vandalise and set fire to the car. Tension flared again at Capital Hospital during the post‑mortem, with the victim’s family demanding an impartial investigation and strict action.
The victim’s sister warned of indefinite sit‑ins at police stations if justice is denied. Police officials confirmed CCTV footage is being examined and the accused has been produced in court.
