Maneswar, 11th Sept 2025: Four months have passed, but the Chief Minister’s announcement has yet to be implemented. The family of Ayushman Behera (14) of Naksapali in Sambalpur town, who died in a road accident, has not yet received the announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). The delay in executing the CM’s announcement has raised serious questions.
According to reports, on the morning of April 18, around 10 AM, Ayushman left home for Saraswati Sishu Vidyamandir. As he was walking near Dhanupali Bhatara (Shankar Math), he was hit by a brick-laden tractor (OD 15 W 8115) coming from the opposite direction near the school. The accident left him critically injured.
Family members rushed him to the District Headquarters Hospital, but the doctors there declared him dead.
The incident had earlier sparked concerns regarding how such a heavy vehicle entered a busy area during school hours, especially when traffic restrictions are supposed to be in place at that time. The tractor’s violation of traffic rules, along with negligence from traffic police, led to the tragic loss of the family’s only son.
The accident occurred in a high-traffic zone of Dhanupali, which houses two English-medium private schools, Ganesh Girls’ High School, and Saraswati Sishu Mandir. The area is known for heavy traffic around 9 AM, yet on that day, the tractor managed to enter the restricted zone, raising further questions about enforcement and accountability.
In light of the incident, the Chief Minister had announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the bereaved family. The announcement was also posted on the CM’s official Twitter account. However, despite this public declaration, the family has not received the compensation yet.
It has also come to light that the district administration has not received any formal approval or directive regarding the disbursement of the announced amount, adding to the delay and distress for the grieving family.