A third-year KISS student, Bijay Gond, lost his life while his friend, Mangal Lohra, was critically injured after a 102 Janani Express ambulance struck their bike and dragged them for over 100 meters on Tuesday night near Ganjapara Chhak under Raighar block of Nabarangpur district.
The incident occurred at around 8:45 PM when the duo, hailing from Dumardihi Dhipakapara village, were returning home after purchasing chicken from Dhadarapara. The bike, bearing registration number CG 21B 0223, was hit head-on by an ambulance (OD 24E 9132) travelling from Hatbharandi to Raighar.
Bijay died on the spot, while Mangal was rushed to Umerkote Medical Centre in an 102 ambulance. Doctors later declared Bijay deceased, further intensifying the unrest among locals.
Raighar police reached the scene promptly, detained the ambulance driver and two other passengers for questioning, and filed a case under FIR No. 149/25. ASI Manoranjan Swain is currently leading the investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem before being handed over to the bereaved family.
The fatal incident triggered outrage in the region, with former MLA Subash Gond, Zilla Parishad member Jatindra Gond, BJD block president Raisingh Gond, and Congress leader Sunraj Gond arriving at the site, demanding compensation and a high-level inquiry.
Locals expressed serious concerns over the reckless behaviour of emergency drivers, particularly along the State Highway 40 route.
