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Odisha Auto Driver Crushed: Driver Killed Between Two Buses in Cuttack

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 8:23 GMT
      Locale: INDIA

Auto Crushed Between Two Buses in Odisha: Driver Killed in Horrific Accident Caught on Dashcam

A harrowing incident in Odisha’s Cuttack district has resulted in the death of an auto-rickshaw driver, after his vehicle was tragically crushed between two buses on July 26th, 2023. The incident, captured on the auto-rickshaw’s dashcam, has quickly gone viral, sparking outrage and raising questions about road safety and traffic discipline in the region.

According to reports from Moneycontrol and subsequent news coverage, the accident occurred near the College Square area in Cuttack city. The victim, identified as Sheikh Raju, was navigating his auto-rickshaw when it was simultaneously overtaken and squeezed between a private bus and a state-run Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) bus. The dashcam footage, widely circulating on social media platforms, shows the auto being relentlessly pushed from both sides before being completely flattened. The footage is deeply disturbing and has triggered widespread shock and grief.

The impact was instantaneous and fatal. Raju was reportedly declared dead on the spot. Authorities immediately launched an investigation, and both bus drivers have been apprehended. Police have stated that preliminary investigations point to reckless driving as the primary cause of the accident. The drivers of both buses allegedly attempted to overtake each other from opposite sides, creating a dangerous situation and leaving Raju with no room to maneuver.

Details of the Arrests and Investigation:

According to The New Indian Express, the drivers have been identified as Babulu Sahoo (driver of the private bus belonging to Maa Laxmi Tours & Travels) and Debendra Behera (driver of the OSRTC bus). Both have been taken into custody and are being questioned. Police have seized the vehicles involved as part of the investigation, and forensic examination is underway to establish the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

The Commissionerate Police have registered a case under sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are also examining the possibility of adding more serious charges based on the findings of the investigation.

Growing Concerns about Road Safety in Odisha:

This incident is not isolated. Odisha has witnessed a concerning trend of road accidents in recent months, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road infrastructure. The Moneycontrol report highlights that this is a recurrent issue in congested areas like College Square, known for its heavy traffic and often chaotic conditions.

While specific statistics weren't directly included in the Moneycontrol article, reports from earlier in the year, and frequently covered by local Odisha news sources, suggest a rising number of fatalities due to reckless driving, particularly involving buses and heavy vehicles. The lack of lane discipline, speeding, and disregard for traffic signals are cited as major contributing factors.

Calls for Accountability and Stringent Penalties:

The incident has ignited public anger and demands for accountability. Social media platforms are flooded with posts calling for stringent punishment for the bus drivers and urging authorities to take concrete steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Many are demanding a thorough review of the licensing and training processes for commercial vehicle drivers.

There’s also growing pressure on the Transport Department to implement stricter monitoring mechanisms, including regular vehicle inspections and enforcement of speed limits. Some are suggesting the installation of more CCTV cameras and speed monitoring devices at accident-prone areas.

Potential for Compensation and Support for Family:

While details regarding compensation for Raju's family haven’t been explicitly stated in the Moneycontrol report, it is expected that both the private bus company and the OSRTC will be legally obligated to provide financial assistance to the victim’s family. Additionally, there are calls for the state government to provide ex-gratia payment to the bereaved family as a gesture of support. Details about any funds raised through public donations are yet to be widely reported.

The death of Sheikh Raju serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and increased awareness among drivers and pedestrians to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The dashcam footage, while harrowing, is a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation and serves as a sobering warning to all road users.