Bomikhal Flyover Mishap: Panda Infra Projects Owner Hospitalised After Arrest

Chief Of Panda Infra, Pratap Panda Arrested. Photograph: Ashok Panda

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested Pratap Panda, the owner of Panda Infra Projects, the firm undertaking the construction work of Bomikhal flyover, a portion of which collapsed last evening killing a labourer and injuring another.

“Patra was arrested after he surrendered before Laxmisagar police this morning. A case has been registered against him under Sections 304, 337, 338 and 34 of IPC,” Police Commissioner YB Khurania informed.

The Police Commissioner said that after the arrest, Panda was admitted to the Capital Hospital here on health grounds. “He was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after he showed medical documents related to his recent kidney stone surgery,” he added.

Patra, who was arrested after another portion of the under-construction flyover had collapsed in September last year, is currently on bail. A person was killed in the mishap.

Meanwhile, engineer-in-chief, roads and buildings Om Prakash Patel submitted his report after conducting preliminary investigation. The report revealed that the incident occurred due to negligence on the part of the construction firm concerned and labourers engaged at the site.

A forensic team has also been rushed to the mishap site for an on-the-spot investigation. The team is examining the details regarding how and under what circumstances the mishap took place. Besides, investigation is on to ascertain whether the quality of the work was poor.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin next to the deceased, Ajay Bhumich, and free treatment for the injured labourer identified as Anand Nayak.

The Chief Minister has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

The mishap reportedly took place when the centering of the ill-fated flyover collapsed and fell on the labourers.