Killer Thar Owner Nabbed After Weeks of Hide-and-Seek

Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: Somnath Behera, the elusive owner of the Thar vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident on Rakhi Purnima night, has finally been arrested by police in Puri after weeks of evasion.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case that shook Patrapada and the surrounding areas.

The incident occurred on August 9, when Behera and others were allegedly racing a Thar and a Scorpio vehicle through the streets of Patrapada. During the reckless race, the vehicles struck a woman and her two children who were crossing the road.

Eight-year-old Reshma Raul died on the spot, while her mother, Revati Raul, succumbed to injuries a week later. Her son survived with injuries.

Police had earlier arrested three other accused and suspended their driving licenses. Both vehicles were seized as part of the investigation. Public outrage followed, with residents staging road blockades demanding swift justice.

Behera’s arrest brings closure to a prolonged manhunt and reignites calls for stricter enforcement against street racing and vehicular negligence.