In Berhampur, three young men lost their lives when a truck ran over their motorcycle in Ganjam district, as reported by police on Thursday. The accident occurred near Mahanala in the Patapur police station area while the trio was returning home from Sheragada to Digapahandi on Wednesday evening. The victims, identified as Saroj Kumar Behera, K Bala Krushna Reddy, and M Aswini Kumar Dora, were all between the ages of 18 and 20. Authorities stated that they have seized the truck involved, but the driver fled the scene. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each family of the deceased from the CM’s Relief Fund.
Upon the arrival of the bodies in their village on Thursday, the families and neighbors protested at Punjikayan chowk, demanding an increase in the compensation amount. One protester remarked, “The deceased were very poor. Their families are now in dire straits. We ask the government to ensure sufficient compensation.” Deputy Superintendent of Police Prasant Patra visited the scene in an effort to appease the protesters. Additional police forces were stationed in the area to avert any potential disturbances. After three hours, the protest was called off.