Engineering Student Mowed Down By Mahindra Thar Vehicle In Bhubaneswar Over Love Triangle, 6 Detained

The victim, identified as Baren Rautray, was killed near Acharya Harihar College Square on Friday night after being allegedly run over by a Thar. Police investigations have now established that the incident was not an accident but a deliberate act of murder.

Addressing the media on Saturday, police said six persons, including the key accused Suraj Biswakarma, have arrested in connection with the case.

According to investigators, the accused and the victim had been involved in a dispute earlier in the day. The altercation was allegedly linked to a love triangle. Police said the accused later hatched a plan to eliminate Baren and tracked his movements at night.

When the student was returning home, the accused allegedly intercepted him, assaulted him with cricket stumps they had brought along, and subsequently ran him over with a vehicle. Investigators believe the attack was carefully planned and executed.

“There was a past enmity over a love triangle. Later, the accused were identified and apprehended them within two-three hours. We have detained five persons in connection with the case and seized a Thar and a scooter. As per preliminary investigation, this is a premeditated murder,” Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said.

“They chased my brother and thrashed him. Later, they intentionally mowed him down using the car. My brother has completed his diploma. Among the accused, there was a friend of my brother. It is a pre-planned murder,” said sister of the deceased.

Police are continuing their probe to determine whether more persons were involved in the conspiracy. Efforts are also underway to uncover the complete sequence of events leading to the murder.

The case has sent shockwaves across the city, raising concerns over rising violent crimes among youth.