Bhubaneswar: A mob vandalised and set fire to an Ama Bus in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening after the vehicle allegedly struck a cyclist, leaving the man critically injured near Palashpalli overbridge.
According to sources, the incident occurred at around 10.30 pm when the Ama Bus, operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), rear-ended the cyclist and ran over him under the overbridge while heading toward Pokhariput depot. The victim, identified as 64-year-old Ramesh Patra, a footwear trader from Pokhariput, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Capital Hospital.
Within minutes, hundreds of people gathered at the site and vented their frustration by smashing the bus’ windows, pelting stones and setting the vehicle ablaze. They also staged a road blockade bringing traffic to a complete halt in the area.
Police arrived to control the situation and pacify the crowd, though tension persisted with protesters demanding accountability and compensation.
The CRUT, in a press release, said that the accident occured when the bus was returning to the depot after cancellation of its scheduled trip from Gadakana Yatra Padiya. “CRUT’s field officials rushed to the spot and ensured that the injured elderly cyclist was provided urgent medical assistance without delay. An ambulance was arranged promptly, and the victim was shifted to the hospital for the best possible treatment and comprehensive care,” it said.
The Managing Director of CRUT Md. Sadique Alam along with other senior officials visited the hospital immediately after the incident, met the injured person and his family members, and assured them to extend all necessary support. “The Managing Director has deployed dedicated officials on roster duty round-the-clock to extend continuous support to the victim and his family until full recovery,” it further noted.
Meanwhile, Patra has been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment.
The CRUT has assured full medical assistance and a compensation amount of Rs 50,000 as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). “While the organisation deeply regrets the unfortunate incident, it also notes with concern that certain unidentified miscreants vandalised the bus during the aftermath, causing damage to the front windscreen and side glass panels. Ama Bus is a valued public service and a shared community asset. CRUT appeals to citizens to remain calm, act responsibly, and refrain from damaging public property,” it added.
