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Out on Bail for Fatal SUV Crash, Odisha Builder’s Son Arrested Again in Road Rage Rampage

Law student allegedly intoxicated, attempts to mow down dhaba staff and bystanders in Bhubaneswar

Repeat offence raises questions on bail conditions, police probe habitual offender angle

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 13, 2026:

Odisha has been shaken again as 20-year-old law student Soumya Ranjan Rath, son of a prominent builder, was arrested in Bhubaneswar for a violent road rage incident—just months after being granted bail in a fatal SUV crash case. Police say Rath, allegedly intoxicated, attempted to run over a dhaba owner, staff, and bystanders, injuring at least three people.

Incident Details

• Date & Location: Early morning of October 12, 2026, near Darling Dhaba on Puri Bypass Road, Bhubaneswar.
• Accused: Soumya Ranjan Rath, 20, law student, son of a real estate developer.
• Events:
  • Rath and friends consumed alcohol at a dhaba.
  • Dispute over an unpaid bill escalated.
  • Rath allegedly drove his SUV into the dhaba owner, staff, and pedestrians.
  • At least three people injured; seven motorcycles damaged.
  • CCTV footage confirmed repeated attempts to ram into people.
• Arrest: Locals intercepted Rath after his car stalled; he was assaulted by the crowd before being handed over to police.

Legal Background

• Previous Case (July 2026): Rath allegedly killed a youth in Bhubaneswar by ramming his Mercedes into a two-wheeler while intoxicated.
• Outcome: Arrested, jailed, later granted bail; driving licence suspended.
• Current Charges: Booked under attempt to murder, rash driving, mischief causing property damage, and driving under influence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act.
• Police Stand: Authorities are seeking cancellation of his bail and considering stricter provisions, citing him as a habitual offender.

Public Reaction & Concerns

• Anger among locals: The repeat offence has sparked outrage, with many questioning how Rath was allowed bail despite his earlier fatal crash.
• Law enforcement challenge: Police face criticism for not ensuring stricter monitoring of bail conditions.
• Safety concerns: The incident highlights rising cases of reckless driving and misuse of high-speed vehicles by youth under influence.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Soumya Ranjan Rath?

A 20-year-old law student and son of a real estate developer in Odisha.

Q2: What happened in the latest case?

He allegedly tried to run over a dhaba owner, staff, and bystanders after a dispute, injuring three people.

Q3: Was he intoxicated?

Yes, medical tests confirmed alcohol consumption.

Q4: What charges has he been booked under?

Attempt to murder, rash driving, property damage, and driving under influence.

Q5: Why is this case controversial?

Rath was already out on bail for a fatal SUV crash in July 2026, raising questions about bail conditions and judicial oversight.

Q6: What’s next legally?

Police are seeking cancellation of his bail and preparing a watertight chargesheet to prevent repeat offences.

This case underscores the urgent need for stricter bail monitoring, stronger deterrents against drunk driving, and accountability for repeat offenders in India’s road safety framework. Would you like me to expand this into a full-length 3000-word article draft with structured sections (background, legal analysis, public opinion, reforms) for publication-style writing?