‘Pala’ singer killed in road mishap in Odisha’s Puri; villagers stage road blockade

Bhubaneswar: A popular ‘Pala’ singer was killed in a road mishap in Puri district of Odisha today.

The deceased has been identified as Sunil Mahapatra (54) of Chhanijang village. Mahapatra was a well-known Pala singer (Gayak) in Puri district, sources said.

A speeding heavy truck (ODO5BK-2199) hit Mahapatra’s bike near Charichhak in Puri district in the afternoon. The vehicle ran over Mahapatra, killing him on the spot, locals said.

Soon after the incident, locals gathered at the spot and staged a road blockade by burning tyres. They sought adequate compensation for the victim’s family and stern action against the truck driver.

On being informed, Charichhak police reached the spot and detained the driver of the truck.