Jajpur: The death of the regional transport officer (RTO) in a road accident near Nuapada Chhak on NH-215 late on Sunday night has triggered suspicion that he could have been murdered by the mining mafia.

RTO Manoj Kumar Behera died on spot after a heavy vehicle hit him from behind while he was on duty inspecting vehicles carrying smuggled minerals along with two other officers. However, the two other officials escaped unhurt.

According to Korei police, a patrolling team of Jajpur Town RTO, led by Behera, was inspecting smuggled minor mineral-laden vehicles on the national highway around 11.45pm.

"The team was inspecting vehicles carrying smuggled minor minerals and overloaded vehicles passing through the highway. Behera saw a chips-laden truck coming and waved at the driver to stop. While he was checking the vehicle's papers on the road, another truck dashed him from behind, leading to his death," said Korei police station inspector-in-charge Chinmayee Sahu.

Behera's body was crushed beyond recognition, she said.

Jajpur superintendent of police Charan Singh Meena has directed Jajpur Road sub-divisional police officer Kedarnath Sahoo to probe into the circumstances leading to the accident. Korei police have already registered a case in this connection and begun an investigation under Sahoo's supervision.

The police have seized the truck and arrested its helper, who also suffered injuries in the accident. However, the driver managed to flee the scene soon after the incident. Sahoo said he would interrogate the helper, who is under treatment, to get a lead.

"We have not found anything to suggest foul play. We will, however, examine all aspects before coming to a final conclusion," said Sahoo.

He said they were also questioning the RTO staff members who had accompanied Behera.

Jajpur collector Ranjan Kumar Das and other senior officials reached the spot after hearing of the accident and sent the body to the District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem. The officials have also made arrangements to send the body to Bhubaneswar for the funeral.

Two killed

Two persons were killed when a motorbike and a car collided face on the Therubali bridge in Rayagada district on Monday morning. The deceased were identified as Tuna Huika and Sanjay Katraka of Boriguda area under Kolnara block in the district. Huika and Katraka were rushed to a nearby hospital but, they succumbed to their injuries.