Balangir, July 7: A 38-year-old farmer, who had recently married, was killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Odisha’s Balangir district on Tuesday morning, leaving his family and the local community in deep shock.
The deceased, identified as Rudra Manahira, a resident of Kharabahali village under Muribahal block, was on his way to Khariar town to sell freshly harvested potatoes when the accident occurred near Bongomunda Golai Square.
According to police, an unidentified vehicle allegedly rammed into Rudra’s motorcycle and fled the scene without stopping. He sustained critical head and facial injuries and remained lying on the roadside until local residents spotted him and alerted the Bongomunda police.
Police personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the injured farmer to the Kantabanji Medical Centre in an ambulance. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The incident has left Rudra’s family devastated, particularly his wife, whom he had married only a few months ago. Known as a hardworking farmer, Rudra was also an active member of the Yadav community and had served in several community organizations, earning widespread respect in the district.
Police seized the body for post-mortem examination before handing it over to the bereaved family. A written complaint has been lodged against the unidentified vehicle, and an investigation has been launched to trace the driver responsible for the fatal accident.
Meanwhile, Kantabanji MLA and Chairman of the District Planning Board, Laxman Bag, visited the bereaved family and expressed his condolences. He urged the police to expedite the investigation and ensure the immediate identification and arrest of the absconding driver.
The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, with residents mourning the untimely demise of a respected farmer and community leader.
