Tensions rise after Mo Bus accident claims life of girl in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 4: Tensions escalated near Raghunathpur Square, under the jurisdiction of the Nandankanan police, following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in a road accident on Tuesday.

The girl, identified as the daughter of Ram Tidia, was struck and killed by a Mo Bus while returning home after plucking flowers. She died instantly at the scene, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger from the local community.

In response to the incident, hundreds of residents took to the streets, blocking the Nandankanan-Patia road with bamboo barricades, which resulted in a significant traffic jam and left numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. The agitated crowd demanded immediate action against the bus driver, as well as enhanced road safety measures to prevent future accidents.

Upon notification, Nandankanan Police arrived to investigate the incident and engaged with the demonstrators in an effort to de-escalate the situation. The police also seized the Mo Bus, which had been vandalized by the protesters. The blockade was ultimately lifted after the girl’s family received a compensation of Rs 2 lakh, allowing traffic to resume normal operations.