Bhubaneswar: A significant security alert was raised late Tuesday night outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly when a fast-moving car, reportedly driven by an intoxicated individual, breached several security barriers and crashed into an iron barricade at the main entrance.
The collision completely wrecked the barricade that protects the sensitive Assembly area, although a more serious incident was avoided as the barrier effectively stopped the vehicle. The car itself sustained extensive damage from the impact.
Sources indicate that the vehicle managed to bypass the outer security cordons before colliding with the main gate barricade.
Immediately following the incident, local police from the Capital Police Station, along with commandos from the Special Tactical Group (STG), quickly arrived at the scene. Security personnel secured the area and performed a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle and its surroundings, adhering to standard protocols for sensitive locations, which included checks for explosives or hazardous materials.
Two individuals in the car were swiftly detained for questioning.
Preliminary investigations suggested that both individuals were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. While the evidence strongly indicates reckless drunk driving, authorities are also investigating whether there was any underlying criminal motive or if the event was a test of security response times.
The vehicle has been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding security measures in Bhubaneswar’s VIP zones, especially around the Legislative Assembly. Despite the presence of multiple checkpoints along the approach route, the vehicle was able to speed through without being intercepted, highlighting potential weaknesses in nighttime security patrols, vigilance, and standard practices such as breathalyzer tests.
Further investigations are ongoing to clarify the sequence of events, identify those involved, and explore any potential motives. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
