Koraput: Semiliguda Police in Koraput district have arrested three persons in connection with an alleged attempt to commit dacoity and damage to a government-owned passenger bus after a stone-pelting incident that injured passengers and damaged the vehicle’s windshield.
According to police, the case was registered on June 5 following a complaint lodged by Santosh Sagar (32), the driver of an OSRTC Volvo bus operating between Bhawanipatna and Visakhapatnam.
The complainant alleged that at around 12:40 am on June 5, a Bolero vehicle intercepted the bus near Damanjodi Chhak. Five to six persons allegedly attempted to stop the bus and repeatedly hurled stones at it, causing extensive damage to the front windshield. Some passengers sustained minor injuries from shattered glass.
Suspecting an attempt to commit dacoity, the driver did not open the bus doors and immediately alerted the 112 Emergency Helpline. Responding swiftly, Semiliguda Police reached the spot, ensured the safety of passengers and escorted the bus up to Pottangi.
Based on the driver’s complaint, Semiliguda Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.
During the investigation, police examined the complainant and other witnesses, recorded their statements and traced the Bolero vehicle allegedly used in the incident. The vehicle was subsequently seized along with relevant documents.
Police identified and arrested three accused persons — Akash Khilla (26) of Semiliguda, Asish Khilla (23) of R. Maliguda village under Semiliguda police limits, and Dillip Pradhan (23) of Sunabeda area in Koraput district.
Investigators said the accused allegedly confessed to their involvement during interrogation. Police claimed the investigation established their role in assembling and preparing to commit dacoity and in causing damage to the government bus through stone-pelting.
The three accused were arrested on Tuesday after completion of legal formalities and were produced before the court of the Judicial Magistrate at Semiliguda.
Police said further investigation into the case is underway.
