Odisha man ploughs into people, tries to run over dhaba owner months after fatal crash
Law student arrested after SUV hits people near Bhubaneswar roadside eatery
Bharatmorningnews.com – A 20-year-old law student was arrested in Bhubaneswar after an SUV allegedly struck several people near a roadside dhaba on Monday morning, in an incident police say involved an attempt to target the restaurant’s owner after an argument.
The accused, Soumyaranjan Rath, had been arrested only months earlier in connection with a separate fatal crash involving a Mercedes-Benz and a motorcycle. He had subsequently been released on bail in that case.
Argument at dhaba escalates into vehicle attack allegation
Police inspector Trupti Ranjan Nayak said Rath arrived at the roadside restaurant at about 8am in a Tata Nexon with friends. An argument allegedly broke out between Rath and dhaba owner Tapan Das.
After the confrontation, Rath allegedly entered the SUV and drove it toward Das and other people present near the eatery. He then sped away, police said, before making a U-turn and returning along the wrong side of the road.
Investigators believe the second approach was intended to run over Das. During the episode, the vehicle hit a man standing beside the road before Rath fled from the immediate area.
Ratikanta Singh, who was injured, filed the First Information Report. Singh and his wife, Annapurna, had been travelling by motorcycle when they stopped at the location. They were among passers-by trying to help the injured man and arrange for him to receive hospital care.
Rath allegedly drove into Singh, Annapurna and others who had gathered nearby. His vehicle could not be turned around as he tried to leave, police said. He then allegedly attempted to escape by boarding a bus, but people at the scene restrained him and handed him over to police.
Police register four cases
A medical examination found that Rath had consumed alcohol, police said. He was arrested and sent for further medical examination.
Authorities have registered four cases and invoked provisions relating to a deliberate attempt to kill. Police have also begun proceedings to seek cancellation of Rath’s driving licence and the permit for the vehicle involved.
The case highlights the dangers that can follow confrontations near busy roadside establishments, where customers, workers and people passing through may be exposed within moments when a vehicle is used recklessly. The people who stopped to assist an injured person were themselves caught in the alleged attack, underlining the vulnerability of bystanders during such incidents.
Previous fatal crash in July
The arrest comes after a July incident in which Rath was accused of driving a Mercedes-Benz into a motorcycle ridden by 37-year-old air-conditioner mechanic Debiprasad Routray.
Routray was making a U-turn at a traffic signal when the Mercedes allegedly hit his motorcycle. He was dragged for roughly 150 to 200 metres and died at the scene.
In that earlier case, Rath was booked under Sections 281, 105 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The provisions relate to rash or negligent driving, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death through a rash or negligent act. A provision of the Motor Vehicles Act dealing with drunken driving was also applied.
The latest allegations will be examined independently through the criminal investigation and court process. The registration of cases and police accusations do not themselves determine guilt; the evidence, medical findings, witness accounts and legal proceedings will shape the eventual outcome.
Road-safety concerns in Odisha
The events also come amid continuing concern over the severity of road crashes in Odisha. Union road transport and highways ministry figures show that the state’s road accident severity index increased to 49.6 in 2024, compared with 47.9 in 2023.
That 2024 figure stood well above the national average of 36.3. The index reflects the seriousness of road accidents and draws attention to the potentially fatal consequences of dangerous driving, including speeding, driving after consuming alcohol and ignoring traffic rules.
For motorists, the incident serves as a reminder that roads around restaurants, markets and other stopping points are often shared by pedestrians, parked vehicles, two-wheelers and people helping others in distress. A moment of reckless driving in such places can place many lives at risk.
Police action in the Bhubaneswar case is continuing, including efforts related to Rath’s licence and vehicle permit. The allegations surrounding both the recent dhaba incident and the earlier fatal collision remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Odisha man ploughs into people tries?
Odisha man ploughs into people tries is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does Odisha man ploughs into people tries matter?
Odisha man ploughs into people tries matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.