[Watch] Odisha Theatre Artiste Rani Panda Apologises For Biker’s Death, Clears Air Over Accident

Bhubaneswar: Three days after a youth was mowed down by her car, popular opera (jatra) artiste Rani Panda took to social media on Monday to apologise for the accident, which took place on the Mundali-Athgarh road in Odisha’s Cuttack.

The actor was seen crying profusely while regretting the loss of life. “It was not intentional. I sustained injuries under the chin and pain in my head and chest persists. I had to go live on Instagram since a lot of misinformation is being spread about me. It is being said that I was clicking pictures at the accident spot. I was making a call and was shivering under the impact of the accident. I was in a hospital for two days,” she said in the 5-minute-long video.

Rani further claimed that her driver was not in an inebriated state. “People destroyed my car and abused me. With much difficulty, I could leave the spot. I am pained by the accident, which is going to haunt me all my life,” she said.

The actor further said that she tried to help the bereaved family by giving Rs 35,000 for his last rites. “I will do whatever I can for the family,” she said, urging the people of Odisha not to believe in such reports, which are meant to malign her image.

The accident took place at Dalkhai Square when the deceased, identified as Sukanta Behera (28), was apparently on his way to pick up his dinner meal at a neighbouring hotel.

He was brought to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in serious condition and died early on November 26.

Tension flared up in the area following the accident. Athgarh police calmed the villagers and took Rani to the police station for further questioning. She was later allowed to go.

Her driver, Sumant Mallikwas, however, was arrested. “I was travelling at 50-60 km/hr when the bike rider crashed head-on with our automobile at high speed,” Mallik explained.

Also Read: Youth Dies After Bike Collides With Jatra Artiste Rani Panda’s Car In Odisha’s Cuttack