What Support is Being Offered to the Families of the Five Cops Killed in a Road Accident?
Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced financial assistance for the families of five police personnel tragically killed in a road accident. The announcement comes as local residents voice safety concerns regarding National Highway 49, calling for urgent improvements.
Key Takeaways
Odisha CM announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for families of deceased police personnel.
Five officers killed in a road accident on National Highway 49.
Local residents are advocating for road safety improvements.
Investigation initiated to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Community concerns highlight the need for urgent action on highway conditions.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, declared an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a road accident earlier today in Jharsuguda district.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that the financial aid will come from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), aimed at assisting the next of kin of the deceased.
“The unfortunate road accident in Jharsuguda, which led to the deaths of five on-duty police personnel, is a profound tragedy. The Chief Minister has conveyed deep sorrow over this incident and has announced ex gratia aid of Rs 5 lakh each for the families affected,” the CMO remarked.
The incident occurred on National Highway 49 near Katapali, close to the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station, when a trailer truck overloaded with iron ore collided head-on with a vehicle transporting police personnel.
Five officers died instantly, and three others sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to local medical facilities, with two later transferred to a private hospital in Bargarh district and another sent to a medical center in Burla, Sambalpur, for advanced care.
The deceased have been identified as Kashiram Bhoi (APR), Niranjan Kujur (Drill Sub-Inspector), Debadatta Sa (APR), Lingaraj Dhurua (APR Havildar), and Bhaktabandhu Mirdha (Home Guard).
According to police reports, the personnel were returning after completing their night duty in the Rengali area when the accident took place.
The driver of the truck involved has been detained, and the vehicle has been seized. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the collision.
Expressions of condolence have poured in from Chief Minister Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik for the loss of the police personnel.
In light of this tragic incident, local residents have raised alarms about road safety on the highway, reiterating longstanding demands for its expansion.
Residents highlighted that the highway experiences heavy traffic daily and urged authorities to accelerate efforts for widening and enhancing safety measures to avert future accidents.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the tragic loss of life in this incident while also emphasizing the pressing need for improved road safety measures. The government's prompt financial support is commendable; however, it is crucial for authorities to address community concerns regarding highway conditions to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the road accident in Odisha?
A tragic road accident occurred on National Highway 49 in Jharsuguda district, resulting in the deaths of five police personnel.
How much financial aid has been announced for the families of the victims?
The Odisha Chief Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each of the five families affected by the accident.
What is being done to improve road safety on National Highway 49?
Local residents have raised concerns about road safety and are urging authorities to expedite the expansion and safety improvement measures on National Highway 49.
Who were the deceased police personnel?
The deceased have been identified as Kashiram Bhoi, Niranjan Kujur, Debadatta Sa, Lingaraj Dhurua, and Bhaktabandhu Mirdha.
What actions are being taken following the accident?
The driver of the truck involved in the accident has been detained, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.
