Fatal SUV Crash In Odisha’s Sonepur: Woman Cop Who Fled Spot Suspended

Bhubaneswar: Police Inspector Snigdharani Suna, who fled the spot after her SUV was involved in a fatal crash in Odisha’s Sonepur district on July 12, has been suspended for “gross misconduct”.

DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal initiated departmental proceedings against Snigdharani. During the period of suspension, she will remain under the disciplinary control of SP, Sundergarh, the order read.

Earlier in the day, Ajay Jethi, who was driving the SUV, secured bail from a court in Sonepur. He was booked under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act for not having a valid driving licence.

The SUV ploughed into an autorickshaw, killing three persons and injuring five others.

The Maruti Ertiga, bearing registration number OD 16J 1355, belonged to Snigdharani, posted in Sundargarh district. She was travelling as a passenger when the accident took place.

Both Snigdharani and Jethi fled the spot after the accident. Both were, however, arrested from Balangir the same day. Snigdharani was on her way to Balangir after finishing Ratha Jatra duty in Puri.

The SUV was moving on the wrong side of the Balangir-Sonepur NH-57 when it rammed into the autorickshaw near Badabahali Chhak. The SUV also hit a motorcycle.

The autorickshaw, ferrying vegetable-vendors, was going to Sonepur from Balangir. The traders had stopped at Badabahali Chhak and were talking to a biker when the SUV ploughed into them, killing three traders.