Berhampur, August 13, 2026: With just two days to go before the Nation celebrates Independence Day, an incident near Vishal Chhak in Berhampur has raised serious questions about public discipline, respect for law and the mindset of those who openly challenge personnel performing their lawful duties.
Berhampur Town Police have arrested two persons and seized a KIA car following an alleged assault on Traffic Police personnel and violation of traffic restrictions imposed near Vishal Chhak in view of ongoing construction work on the Gate Bazar flyover.
Berhampur Town Police Station registered FIR No. 0361/2026 on August 13 under Sections 296, 115(2), 74, 132, 351(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 185 and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Traffic Personnel Allegedly Manhandled During Duty
According to police, the incident occurred between approximately 3:40 PM and 4:00 PM when Constable Sukumari Mallik (C/336) and Constable R. Sadananda (C/901) of the Traffic Police Station were deployed at Vishal Chhak to enforce a “No Entry” restriction necessitated by the flyover construction.
Police said a KIA car bearing registration number OD-02-CY-4924 allegedly attempted to enter the restricted road towards Gate Bazar Chhak.
When Constable R. Sadananda reportedly stopped the vehicle, one of the occupants allegedly got down, used obscene and abusive language, assaulted the constable on his face and other parts of his body, and allegedly threatened to kill him.
Police further alleged that both occupants appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The vehicle allegedly proceeded towards the “No Entry” side near Vishal Mega Mart. When Constable Sukumari Mallik intervened to prevent the traffic violation, the occupants allegedly abused and assaulted her as well.
The two persons were subsequently brought to Berhampur Town Police Station.
The arrested persons have been identified as:
1. Anata Keshari Dev (35), son of Sangram Keshari Dev, resident of Dakhinapur village under Sadar Police Station.
2. Sibaram Pradhan (39), son of late Kirana Pradhan, resident of Dakhinapur village under Sadar Police Station.
Police said the KIA car bearing registration number OD-02-CY-4924 has also been seized.
The investigation is being conducted by Assistant Sub-Inspector Nigam Chandra Pradhan of Berhampur Town Police Station. Further legal action will be taken in accordance with law, police said.