Villagers in Khariar of Nuapada district blocked National Highway 353 today after the death of Dinabandhu Punji in a road accident near Baragaon Chhak.
They placed his body in front of the police station and demanded financial assistance for the bereaved family.
According to reports, Dinabandhu Punji had gone to collect his ration card in the morning. While returning, a truck hit him near Baragaon Chhak, leading to his death on the spot. The tragic accident triggered anger among locals, who gathered in large numbers and staged a protest by obstructing the highway.
Khariaral police officer Dilip Kumar Sahu reached the site and appealed to the villagers to move to the roadside instead of blocking the highway. However, the villagers insisted on compensation and support for the family before clearing the road.
The protest disrupted traffic movement on National Highway 353, causing inconvenience to commuters. Authorities engaged in discussions with the villagers to resolve the situation and restore normalcy.
Residents emphasised that the family of the deceased deserves immediate financial relief. They urged the administration to take swift action to provide assistance and ensure road safety measures in the area.
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