Two Individuals Arrested Following Violent Mob Attack on Ama Buses in Bhubaneswar
Police in Bhubaneswar have made significant progress in the investigation of a disturbing incident of public violence that occurred on Friday. On Saturday, authorities arrested two persons in direct connection with the mob attack that targeted three Ama Buses near the Ashok Nagar area of the city.
Identification of the Accused and Legal Proceedings
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Pradip Kumar Das, aged 58, originally from Cuttack but currently residing in Ashok Nagar, and P Krishna Reddy, a 20-year-old resident of Ashok Nagar. Following the completion of all necessary legal formalities, both accused were promptly produced before a court, as confirmed by the police officials handling the case.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Violent Outburst
The arrests stem from a violent altercation that erupted on Friday afternoon. The incident was triggered when a motorcycle reportedly grazed an Ama Bus near a garment showroom located in Ashok Nagar. While the rider of the motorcycle escaped without sustaining any serious injuries, the situation escalated rapidly.
A crowd comprising local residents and auto-rickshaw drivers quickly gathered at the spot. This group began verbally abusing the bus driver, issuing threats, and subsequently pelting stones at the vehicle. The assault resulted in significant damage to the bus, including its windscreen and windows, causing panic among the passengers onboard. Some passengers sustained minor injuries during this chaotic episode.
Escalation of Violence and Police Intervention
The violence did not remain confined to a single bus. Agitators proceeded to attack three other Ama Buses operating on the same route. This series of attacks led to further property damage, severe disruption of traffic flow in the area, and additional injuries to passengers.
Police teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene upon receiving reports of the disturbance. Their immediate actions were crucial in rescuing the drivers and securing the buses. Authorities seized the damaged vehicles, along with the motorcycle involved in the initial incident, as part of their evidence collection process.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The investigation into this mob violence is ongoing. Police have confirmed that they have collected CCTV footage from the vicinity and are gathering other pertinent evidence to build a strong case. The arrests mark a critical step in holding those responsible accountable and restoring a sense of security for public transport operators and commuters in Bhubaneswar.
