Bhubaneswar: A youth was killed in a hit-and-run accident near Pahal on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, triggering massive outrage and a road blockade.
As per sources, the mishap took place on the National Highway 16 close to Rudrapur on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Somanath Khuntia, a resident of Sundarpatna.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred while the youth was crossing the busy highway a vehicle moving at high speed hit him. The driver fled the scene immediately, leaving Khuntia fatally injured and eventually dead. The vehicle involved in the accident is yet to be traced, police said.
Angry over the fatal accident, locals staged a protest on the National Highway, blocking traffic in both directions. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded for hours as anger spread among residents. The situation grew tense until senior police officials reached the spot and managed to pacify the agitated crowd, eventually restoring order.
Protesters demanded the immediate construction of a foot overbridge to ease pedestrian movement and reduce risks on the busy stretch. Many also highlighted the absence of street lights along the crucial highway, which they said has contributed to frequent mishaps.
Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the culprit.
