Gania: At least four women were killed and two others were rendered critical after a car hit them at Chaubangatota under Gania Tehsil in Nayagarh district Friday.
The deceased were identified as Upasi Behera (40), a 35-year-old woman with the same name, Patara Behera (48) and Manjulata Behera (33).
The critically injured were identified as Janaki Behera (45) and Indulata Behera (45). All the women were from Patanda village, it was learnt.
According to sources, the six women were returning from agriculture fields after reaping paddy at 11:30 am when a Maruti car (ODO 2Q 6602) from Kantilo hit them.
While Upasi (40) died on the spot, three others died at different hospitals. The critically injured were admitted to Bhubaneswar-based Capital Hospital.
Infuriated over the incident, locals kept the body on the road and staged a blockade by burning tyres.
On being informed, Gania tehsildar Rudra Narayan Das and the local IIC arrived at the spot and held discussions with the angry mob.
However, the agitators refused to relent and demanded `30 lakh each as compensation to the bereaved families. Vehicular movement came to a standstill due to the blockade.
Meanwhile, two occupants of the car were detained by Gania police while the driver managed to escape. A suitcase was also seized from the duo.
Police said the car belonged to a person of Baghuapashi village under Daspalla block. PNN