Bhadrak: Tension gripped Khedarpur village under Pirahat police station limits in Bhadrak district on Sunday after a youth was killed in a train collision, triggering protests and a blockade of the railway track by local residents.
The deceased has been identified as Abhimanyu Behera, a resident of Kandaragadia village under Sahapur panchayat in Tihidi block of Bhadrak district.
According to locals, the incident occurred when Abhimanyu was crossing the railway check post and noticed that the gate was open. Before he could move to safety, he was hit by an oncoming train and dragged for around 100 metres, dying on the spot.
Alleging gross negligence, villagers claimed that the security personnel deployed at the check post failed to operate the gate in time, which led to the fatal accident. They demanded strict action against those responsible, compensation for the bereaved family, and a permanent safety mechanism at the crossing to prevent such incidents in future.
Soon after the incident, angered locals gathered at the spot and blocked the railway track. They also staged protests by raising slogans against railway authorities and set fire to parts of the check post structure.
In addition, tyres were burnt and vehicular movement was disrupted on the Bhadrak–Chandbali highway near Pirahat market.
On receiving information, police rushed to the spot to control the situation. A team led by the Chandbali Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), along with the Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs) of Pirahat and Tihidi police stations, reached the area and initiated discussions with the agitating locals to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy.