Odisha man ploughs into people, tries to run over dhaba owner months after fatal crash
Bhubaneswar crash allegations renew focus on repeat reckless driving
Bharatmorning.com – A 20-year-old law student was arrested in Bhubaneswar after allegedly driving into several people near a roadside eatery on Monday, an incident that came months after he was arrested in connection with a fatal collision involving a Mercedes-Benz.
Police identified the accused as Soumyaranjan Rath, the son of a builder. Officers said he arrived at the dhaba at about 8am in a Tata Nexon with friends and became involved in an argument with the establishment’s owner, Tapan Das.
Alleged attempt to target eatery owner
Inspector Trupti Ranjan Nayak said Rath allegedly got back into the vehicle after the dispute and attempted to hit Das and other people nearby before driving away. He then reportedly made a U-turn and returned toward the restaurant while travelling on the wrong side of the road, allegedly trying once more to run over Das.
During the sequence of events, the vehicle struck a man standing by the roadside, police said. Ratikanta Singh, who was injured, filed the First Information Report in the matter.
Singh and his wife, Annapurna, had been travelling by motorcycle when they stopped at the scene. They were among several passers-by who had gathered to assist the injured person and arrange medical care. The complaint states that Rath’s vehicle then hit Singh, his wife and others at the spot.
The accused allegedly tried to turn the Tata Nexon around after the collision but was unable to do so. He then attempted to leave in a bus, but people present there restrained him and handed him to police.
Four cases registered
A medical examination found the presence of alcohol in Rath’s system, police said. He was taken into custody and sent for further medical examination. Authorities have registered four cases that include allegations of a deliberate attempt to kill.
Police have also begun the procedure to seek cancellation of Rath’s driving licence and the vehicle permit. The action reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating allegations involving repeated dangerous driving and the risk posed to people on busy public roads.
For bystanders, roadside crashes can quickly create a second danger. People who stop to help an injured person may be exposed to moving traffic, particularly where vehicles are being driven unpredictably. The Bhubaneswar incident underlines how a confrontation or collision can escalate rapidly in areas where pedestrians, motorcycles, parked vehicles and roadside businesses share limited space.
Earlier case involved death of motorcycle rider
The latest arrest follows an earlier case from July in which Rath was accused of hitting a motorcycle with his Mercedes-Benz. The motorcycle was being ridden by Debiprasad Routray, a 37-year-old air-conditioner mechanic, who was making a U-turn at a traffic signal.
Routray was dragged for roughly 150 to 200 metres and died at the scene. Rath was arrested in that case and later released on bail.
In the July matter, he was booked under Sections 281, 105 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The provisions concern rash or negligent driving, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death through a rash or negligent act. The case also involved a Motor Vehicles Act provision dealing with drunken driving.
The two incidents place particular attention on the legal and administrative response available after serious road-safety allegations. Criminal proceedings examine whether offences were committed, while licence and permit action can address whether a person should remain authorised to drive. Each process has its own legal requirements, and the allegations will be tested through investigation and court procedure.
Road-safety concern in Odisha
Odisha’s road accident severity index increased to 49.6 in 2024 from 47.9 in 2023, based on Union road transport and highways ministry data. The 2024 figure was well above the national average of 36.3.
The severity index is a reminder that road safety is not measured only by the number of crashes. It also reflects the human consequences of collisions, including fatal and serious injuries. Dangerous speeding, impaired driving, wrong-side movement and unsafe manoeuvres can have severe effects on pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and people gathered near a roadway.
In urban areas such as Bhubaneswar, roadside restaurants and other small businesses often draw customers, delivery workers, motorcycles and pedestrians close to traffic. A vehicle entering such a space at speed can endanger many people within seconds. The allegations in this case have therefore raised concerns not only about one confrontation, but also about the wider need for responsible driving and effective enforcement.
Police investigation into Monday’s events is continuing. The four cases registered against Rath, as well as the proposed action involving his licence and vehicle permit, will proceed through the relevant legal channels.
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.