BALASORE: A 31-year-old man was killed and another suffered critical injuries after their bike was allegedly hit by a car escorting a cattle-laden truck which they were attempting to intercept on NH-16 near Panpana chowk under Khantapada police limits here on Monday night.
The deceased was identified as Krupasindhu Behera while the injured is Lambodar Mohapatra (30), both of Alasua village under Nilagiri police limits.
Sources said the truck reportedly transporting cattle illegally from Soro towards Bhadrak triggered alerts among members of ‘Go Suraksha Vahini’. A group of activists rushed to NH-16 to intercept the vehicle. The activists first attempted to stop the truck near Barikpur chowk under Soro police limits. However, the driver sped away. Krupasindhu and Lambodar then pursued the truck on a motorcycle.
When they reached Panpana chowk, an escort car accompanying the truck reportedly hit their bike, causing both riders to fall onto the road. Krupasindhu died on the spot, while Lambodar sustained critical injuries. Other activists following the truck later reached the accident site. Some assisted the injured, while others went behind the truck and managed to intercept it a few kilometres away. The driver and helper, however, fled the scene.
Khantapada police arrived at the spot and rushed Lambodar to FM Medical College and Hospital. He was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his condition worsened.
Police also seized the truck and rescued 47 cattle. A murder case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s uncle. The postmortem was conducted at Soro hospital, after which the body was handed over to the bereaved family. Further investigation is underway, police said.
Family members of the deceased and the injured have demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident.