CUTTACK: At least five persons, including a woman, were injured after a speeding police bus allegedly driven by an inebriated driver hit multiple vehicles and pedestrians along the Mahanadi ring road on Saturday.
The bus, which was heading from Bidanasi towards Jobra, first hit a woman near Deer Park. The woman, identified as Ani Naik (40) of Deer Park slum, suffered fractures in both her legs and was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.
The driver, instead of stopping, sped away and rammed a motorcycle near Gadagadia ghat, injuring two persons. By then, residents of Deer Park slum had begun chasing the vehicle.
The bus then hit another bike near Mata Matha, injuring a couple, before locals chasing it on motorcycles managed to intercept the vehicle and alert the police. Irate locals also staged a road blockade, demanding compensation for the victims and stringent action against the driver. They called off the rasta roko after DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo rushed to the spot and assured them that their demands would be met.
A case was registered at Bidanasi police station on the complaint of Naik’s family, and the bus has been seized. The driver, currently detained at the police station, has been suspended. “Based on the allegations and prima facie evidence, the driver has been suspended. Further action will be taken after investigation report is received,” said ACP Ananya Awasthi.
