Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: In a major breakthrough, the Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested two prime accused in the tragic Patrapada hit-and-run case that claimed the lives of a woman and her 8-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on August 9 near V2 Market in Patrapada, under the jurisdiction of Khandagiri Police Station in the State Capital.

The accused, identified as Sohamraj Tripathy alias Lipun and Rohan Ranjan Rout, were apprehended from Delhi after fleeing to Manali post-incident. Both were allegedly involved in reckless driving and street racing in two vehicles — a Mahindra Thar and a Scorpio — which led to the fatal crash. The Scorpio vehicle, owned by Tripathy, has been seized by Khandagiri Police.

The accused duo had initially escaped to Himachal Pradesh’s Manali before relocating to Delhi, where they were tracked down and arrested. Rohan Ranjan Rout is the son of a liquor trader from Patia, while Tripathy works as a manager at a private bank.

According to reports, the victims — Rebati Raul, her daughter Reshma, and her young son — were crossing the road when the speeding Thar struck them. Reshma died on the spot, while Rebati succumbed to her injuries two days later at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Her son remains under treatment.

Police investigations revealed that five individuals were involved in the incident. Earlier, two other suspects — Ankit Sahu and Krushnachandra Pradhan — were arrested for aiding the escape of the accused. The Mahindra Thar vehicle involved in the crash has also been recovered, though its driver remains absconding.

The arrests come amid public outrage and demand for swift justice. Police continue to investigate the case to identify any remaining culprits and ensure accountability.