Berhampur: Police have arrested the driver involved in the horrific Haladiapadar road accident that claimed five lives, while investigation is underway to ascertain the role of the vehicle owner in employing a driver with a criminal past.
The case has been registered as Gosaninuagaon Police Station based on the complaint filed by Sisir Nahak (38) of Fulta village under Nimakhandi police limits.
The accused has been identified as Pradeep Jani (38), son of Trinatha Jani, a resident of Gudiapalli, Jani Sahi, under Kabisurya Nagar police station in Ganjam district.
According to police, the incident occurred on the Haladiapadar overbridge, where a truck allegedly driven at high speed, rammed into multiple motorcycles. Sisir Nahak stated that his nephew Jagan Nahak (20) and Rakesh Nahak (22) were returning home on a Hero Glamour motorcycle when the truck hit them, killing both on the spot.
Further investigation revealed that the same truck also collided with two other motorcycles, resulting in a total of five fatalities.
Police have seized three motorcycles belonging to the victims, all found in a broken condition, offending truck and the driving license of the accused.
The police have also found that the accused driver was previously involved in a fatal road accident in the Digapahandi area, in which two persons lost their lives. A case had been registered against him.
The owner of the truck has been detained and is being questioned for allegedly employing a driver despite his criminal history, informed Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M.
The accused Pradip was arrested and has been forwarded to the court. Further investigation is ongoing.