Overview
- A state-run Ama Bus hit an auto-rickshaw at Bhubaneswar’s Rupali Chhak on January 3, killing the rickshaw driver and injuring passengers.
- Police said the bus driver fled the scene, was later arrested, and has been booked for culpable homicide.
- The deceased was identified as Bishnu Patra of Jajpur district, and officials named injured student Namita Pradhan.
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 4 lakh in ex-gratia relief, while CRUT pledged Rs 2 lakh for the family and Rs 50,000 for the injured student.
- Following the CM’s orders, the Transport Commissioner launched an enforcement drive, authorities moved to bolster driver training and bus fitness checks with a special inspection squad, autorickshaw drivers protested at the Gadakana depot, and officials continued to verify differing reports on injury counts.