Titilagarh: A high school student was killed while another sustained critical injuries after they were hit by an ICDS vehicle near Gandargala village under Titilagarh police limits in Bolangir district in the wee hours of Monday.
The deceased was identified as Dolamani Bisi (15), while the injured was Laxman Bisi (12). Two police IICs faced the wrath of locals who were protesting against the incident.
According to sources, Dolamani and Laxman, who studied in Kholan High School, were on their way to school on bicycles. A vehicle of ICDS, Golamunda block in Kalahandi district, hit them from the rear and subsequently ran into a paddy field. Dolamani was killed on the spot while Laxman was rescued and rushed to Titilagarh sub-divisional hospital.
Enraged over the incident, locals placed the body on the road and staged a blockade by burning tyres.
Sindekhela IIC Malaya Nayak reached the spot and took stock of the situation. He refused to spare his vehicle to shift the injured to the hospital, locals alleged. Irate over this, few women reportedly assaulted him. Nayak, somehow, managed to escape.
Later, Bangomunda IIC Loknath Sahu tried to pacify the angry mob. However, he too faced the wrath of the protesters. He allegedly brandished a pistol and ran away, leaving behind his vehicle. The mob then vandalised his vehicle.
Patnagarh SDPO Pradipt Mahapatra, Saintala IIC Jatindra Dash, SI Saroj Rath and Titilagarh IIC Anjali Kumbhar along with a team then reached the spot. Sub-collector Kailash Chandra Sahu held a discussion with the locals and assured them of compensation to the bereaved family.
Dolamani’s father Debadar Bisi had died in a road accident in July. His family members were then also assured of compensation under Harishchandra Yojana but were reportedly not provided the benefit. The angry locals refused to relent.
The agitation was called off after a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the district administration and Rs 2,000 under Harishchandra Yojana was provided to the bereaved family. Police seized the body and sent it for post-mortem to Titilagarh hospital. PNN
