Bhubaneswar, 24 September (H.S.): The owner of the Thar vehicle allegedly involved in the fatal hit-and-run at Patrapada on Rakhi Purnima, which claimed the lives of an eight-year-old girl and her mother, has been arrested from Puri, police confirmed. The accused has been identified as Somnath Behera.

The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, had sparked widespread outrage across Bhubaneswar after a Thar, reportedly racing alongside a Scorpio, struck eight-year-old Reshma Raul, her mother Rebati Raul, and her younger brother. Reshma died on the spot, while Rebati and the child were critically injured and rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Rebati succumbed to her injuries days later, bringing the death toll to two, while the child continues treatment at a private hospital.

Following Behera’s arrest, the victim’s family has appealed for the imposition of capital punishment on the accused. The incident had earlier led to protests and roadblocks in Patrapada and Phuleshwari areas, with citizens across the state expressing outrage over reckless street racing and demanding justice for the victims.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda