A man in Odisha has been arrested following a series of reckless driving incidents that reportedly injured three individuals. Soumya Ranjan Rath, who was previously out on bail for a fatal road accident, allegedly drove his car into multiple people and vehicles in Bhubaneswar on Monday morning. The police have charged him with attempted murder, asserting that he intentionally targeted pedestrians during the events that unfolded.

Details of the Incident

The chaotic incident took place around 8:30 am on the Cuttack-Puri Bypass. Initial reports indicate that Rath’s vehicle struck a person standing by the roadside before he fled the scene. A couple on a two-wheeler, who stopped to assist the injured individual, became the next targets. Allegedly, Rath returned from the opposite direction and rammed his car into the couple’s motorcycle, with intentions that police believe were lethal. During this rampage, Rath’s car reportedly collided with seven motorcycles, resulting in injuries to three people.

According to Bhubaneswar Zone-4 Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abhimanyu Nayak, Rath had previously engaged in similar reckless behaviour, including an incident where he drove into a roadside hotel owner and staff members following a dispute. Witnesses and police suspect that Rath may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of these incidents. His vehicle reportedly stalled as he attempted to turn around again, allowing bystanders to detain him.

As the situation escalated, an angry crowd gathered around Rath before police arrived to intervene and escort him to safety. The police have since initiated legal proceedings against him.

Legal Actions and Charges

Authorities have registered a case against Rath under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which include charges of attempted murder, rash driving, endangering public safety, and causing damage to property. ACP Nayak confirmed that four criminal cases are currently filed against Rath at the local police station. Investigators are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, and additional evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events and substantiate the allegations made against him.

In light of these incidents, officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have visited the police station to gather pertinent information regarding the case. They have announced plans to initiate proceedings aimed at revoking Rath’s driving licence and cancelling the registration of the car involved in the incidents. This decision follows allegations that Rath’s vehicle was deliberately used to target individuals.

Previous Fatal Accident Under Investigation

This latest incident has reignited scrutiny surrounding a previous fatal accident involving Rath. In July, he was implicated in the death of a man after allegedly running him over with his luxury vehicle in Bhubaneswar. Following that incident, Rath was arrested but subsequently released on bail in August. The police have stated that investigations into both cases are ongoing, while the RTO is pursuing separate actions against Rath in relation to his driving privileges.

The community remains on alert as authorities continue to address the serious implications of Rath’s actions, which have raised concerns about road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. The ongoing investigations aim to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents of this nature.

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