Bhubaneswar: A major security alert was triggered late Tuesday night outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly when a speeding car, allegedly driven by an intoxicated individual, breached multiple security layers and crashed into an iron barricade at the main entrance.
The impact completely destroyed the barricade installed in front of the highly sensitive Assembly premises, though a potentially larger disaster was averted as the barrier stopped the vehicle. The car sustained significant damage in the collision.
According to sources, the vehicle bypassed outer security cordons before smashing into the main gate barricade.
Local police from the Capital Police Station, along with commandos from the Special Tactical Group (STG), rushed to the spot immediately after the incident. Security personnel cordoned off the entire area and conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle and its surroundings, including checks for any explosives or hazardous materials as per standard protocol for sensitive zones.
Two occupants of the car were promptly detained and taken into custody for questioning.
Initial investigations revealed that both were heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash. While the evidence strongly points to a case of reckless drunk driving, police are also probing whether there was any deeper criminal intent or if the incident was intended to test security response times.
The vehicle has been seized as part of the ongoing probe.
The episode has sparked serious questions about security arrangements in Bhubaneswar’s VIP zones, particularly around the Legislative Assembly. Despite multiple checkpoints along the approach route, the vehicle managed to speed through without being stopped, highlighting potential gaps in nighttime patrolling, vigilance, and standard procedures like breathalyzer checks.
Further investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events, the identities of those involved, and any possible motives. No injuries were reported in the incident.
