Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders tragically lost their lives in Odisha’s Sambalpur district after a dumper truck collided with their car in the early hours of Sunday. Authorities are now investigating allegations that the collision may have been intentional, based on claims from eyewitnesses.
The deceased, identified as Debendra Nayak, the BJP Goshala mandal president, and Muralidhar Chhuria, a former village head (sarpanch), were close associates of senior BJP leader and ex-MLA Nauri Naik. The incident took place around 1:30 AM on National Highway 53 near Burla police station.
Nayak and Chhuria were among six individuals traveling in a car, returning to Kardola from Bhubaneswar. According to police reports, the vehicle was struck from behind by a dumper truck, resulting in a fatal collision. All six passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Nayak and Chhuria were declared dead. The remaining four passengers sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
Allegations of Intentional Collision
One of the injured survivors, Suresh Chanda, recounted a harrowing series of events, claiming that the dumper hit their car from behind twice, prompting the driver to divert onto a rural road near Kantapalli Square. Despite the diversion, Chanda alleged that the truck continued to chase them and struck their vehicle a third time, causing it to overturn.
“It is highly unusual for a vehicle to hit another three times from behind. Such a thing cannot happen by mistake,” Chanda asserted, suggesting the collision was deliberate.
Nauri Naik, who visited the injured at the hospital, echoed Chanda’s suspicions, describing the repeated ramming of the car as indicative of a targeted attack.
Police Investigation Underway
Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo confirmed that the dumper truck involved in the incident has been seized, and its driver is being detained for questioning. “We are investigating all aspects of the incident, including the possibility that this was a targeted attack, as alleged by the victims’ families,” Bhamoo stated.
The incident has sparked outrage among local BJP members and supporters, who are demanding a thorough probe to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, authorities continue their investigation to determine whether the collision was an unfortunate accident or a premeditated act.
