In a tragic incident in Odisha's Sundargarh district, three truck drivers from Bihar were arrested on Saturday for allegedly beating a pickup van driver to death following a road accident. The accused have been identified as Manish Kumar (24), Bikash Kumar (23), and Amrit Lal (25), all residents of Gaya district in Bihar.
Details of the Incident
The fatal altercation took place on Friday afternoon between 2pm and 2.30pm on the Bankibahal–Bhedabahal coal corridor at Suruda, under the jurisdiction of Bhasma police station. According to police reports, the three accused had parked their vehicles and gone to buy watermelons. At that time, their associate, Mukesh Yadav (35), was crossing the road to join them when he was allegedly hit by a pickup van driven by Rajesh Munda (34).
Assault and Aftermath
Enraged by the accident, the trio allegedly attacked Munda with an iron rod and assaulted him with kicks and fists, leaving him critically injured. Both Munda and Yadav were rushed to Sundargarh Government Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared Munda brought dead. Yadav sustained a fractured leg and head injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Legal Proceedings
An FIR was registered on Friday evening, and the accused were detained and interrogated. They were formally arrested on Saturday. Police have seized the iron rod used in the assault. “The three truck drivers have been arrested for killing the pickup van driver. Further investigation is underway,” said Nirmal Mohapatra, SDPO, Sadar, Sundargarh.
Background of the Accused
All three accused hail from Gaya district in Bihar and were working as truck drivers in the region. The motive appears to be road rage following the accidental collision. Police are investigating if there were any prior disputes between the parties.
This incident highlights the growing issue of road rage and violence on highways. Authorities have urged drivers to remain calm and report accidents to police instead of taking the law into their own hands.
