Bhubaneswar, Nov. 12: Tension prevailed near Baramunda following the death of a youth in a road mishap today.
Local people blocked the national highway for around one hour and even tried to set fire to the truck involved in the accident.
The deceased has been identified as Kanhu Charan Lenka, 28, a native of Choudwar in Cuttack.
"He had come to the city for a medical check-up. After reaching the city, he had taken a motorcycle from one of his friends," said a relative of the deceased.
Eyewitnesses said the speeding truck hit the motorcyclist and ran over him after he fell on the road.
"The driver managed to flee the spot after the mishap. However, we managed to catch hold of the helper of the truck and handed him over to police," said an eyewitness.
Later hundreds of local residents blocked the highway demanding compensation for the victim.
"The area has become accident prone due to over-speeding of vehicles. The police should conduct regular drives at the spot to restrict the speed of vehicles, especially buses and trucks," said local resident Mohan Sahu. The blockade came to an end after intervention of police.
"We have detained the helper of the truck and are trying to nab the driver of the vehicle," said inspector in charge of Khandagiri police station Sarat Sahu.
Commuters had to face difficulties following the roadblock. "I was on my way to attend classes when I was stuck up near the Baramunda flyover. The protesters did not have any rights to disrupt the vehicular movement," said Akshay Das, a commuter.
App upgrade
Police today upgraded the mobile app BBSR-CTC Police with several new features. The police said the upgraded app would have a push notification facility through which the cops would update residents with traffic and law and order problem.
"People can now get pre-paid autorickshaw tariff and find nearest police stations. Besides a link of Mo Saathi app, which was launched for the women, would also be there," said a police official.
The police today also released a video CD containing road accidents, which were captured by closed-circuit cameras installed at several crossings across the city. The police said the CD would be shown for creating public awareness.