Odisha: Two BJP leaders passes away in suspected intentional road collision

Odisha: In a tragic incident in Odisha's Sambalpur district, two prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders lost their lives after their car was struck by a dumper. The victims have been identified as Debendra Nayak, BJP's Goshala Mandal President, and Muralidhar Chhuria, a former sarpanch. Both leaders were reportedly close associates of senior BJP leader Nauri Naik. The accident occurred around 1:30 am on National Highway (NH) 53, within the Burla police station's jurisdiction, according to local police reports.

Incident description

The vehicle was conveying six passengers which include the driver who were proceeding from Bhubaneswar towards Kardola. After collision, all passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital. Nayak and Chhuria were already dead on the spot while all the other victims are undergoing their treatment.

Motive behind an intentional act

One of the survivors, Suresh Chanda, has made shocking allegations, saying that the collision was intentional. "The dumper hit our car from behind twice while we were on the highway. Suspecting foul play, our driver veered off onto a rural road near Kantapalli Square, but the dumper continued to chase us," Chanda told reporters.

Chanda further added that the dumper rammed into their car a third time, which made the vehicle overturn. "By mistake, a vehicle might hit another once, but why would it strike three times from behind?" he questioned, adding that he lost consciousness after the third impact.

Investigation underway

Local authorities have already initiated an inquiry into the events leading to the accident. Even though the police are yet to determine if it was a planned incident, Chanda's statements have already caused the suspicion of foul play.

The death of two senior BJP leaders has been shocking for the political circles of Odisha. Senior party functionaries and followers have demanded that an impartial inquiry be conducted in the case.