Khandagiri Police on Wednesday arrested Somnath Behera, the owner of the Thar SUV involved in the Patrapada hit-and-run case that left two people dead and sparked public outrage across Bhubaneswar.
The tragic incident occurred on Raksha Bandhan, when the speeding Thar vehicle struck a family near Patrapada under Khandagiri police limits. An eight-year-old girl died instantly, while her mother and another individual sustained serious injuries. The mother later succumbed to her injuries, intensifying demands for justice.
While three individuals had already been arrested and produced in court, Behera—a resident of Jatni—had been absconding for over a month. Acting on a tip-off, police tracked and arrested him in Puri, bringing closure to a prolonged manhunt.
The arrest follows widespread protests and road blockades by the victim’s family and local residents, who accused authorities of delay and demanded swift action. The Police Commissioner confirmed the arrest and stated that further investigation is underway to determine Behera’s role and any potential accomplices.
This case has reignited conversations around reckless driving, accountability, and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in urban Odisha.
