Night Buses Torched Near Swapneswar Temple in Rourkela

Rourkela: Unidentified miscreants allegedly set two newly purchased night buses on fire near the Swapneswar temple at Balijhudi in Odisha’s Rourkela late on Tuesday night, causing extensive damage to the vehicles.

According to sources, the buses belonged to Anaya Kumar Malik, who had brought the two night buses from Jeypore around 15 days ago. As the required permits for their operation were yet to be issued, the vehicles had been parked near the Swapneswar temple.

Reports suggest that the incident occurred around midnight when the miscreants allegedly broke the window panes of the buses and set fire to the curtains inside. One of the buses was completely gutted in the blaze, while the front portion of the other bus was partially damaged.

Local residents noticed the fire and immediately alerted the bus owner. Following this, Malik and his relatives rushed to the spot and informed the PCR and Tangarpali police. Fire Services were also alerted and rushed to the scene.

Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control and succeeded in preventing further damage. While one bus was reduced to ashes, the timely intervention of Fire Services helped save the other bus from total destruction.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to identify those responsible for the arson.