Kalpit Kaya Mohanty
Bhubaneswar: In a disturbing development, motorists traveling through Bhubaneswar's Salia Sahi slum area are falling victim to an elaborate scam involving staged accidents and subsequent extortion attempts. This scheme, which has been gaining traction in recent weeks, poses a significant threat to public safety and highlights the complex socio-economic challenges faced by the area.
The Scam Exposed
Reports from multiple victims paint a consistent picture of the modus operandi. Unsuspecting drivers passing through the narrow lanes of Salia Sahi find themselves suddenly accosted by individuals who claim to have been hit by the vehicle. These "victims" then quickly gather a crowd of locals who pressure the driver into paying large sums of money as compensation.
One recent victim, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his harrowing experience: "While I was coming from Infocity via Utkal Hospital, at the Salia Sahi basti towards CRPF square, a 45-50 year old man suddenly appeared from behind a parked vehicle. I applied the brakes immediately, and my wheel slipped due to the wet road. I barely touched him, if at all, but he started shouting and using abusive language."
The victim continued, "Within minutes, a group of locals surrounded me, demanding ₹5,000 as compensation. When I suggested involving the police, they became more aggressive. After about 20 minutes of heated arguments, I managed to escape the situation."
A Growing Concern
This incident is not isolated. Multiple reports have surfaced of similar occurrences in the area, suggesting an organized effort to exploit motorists. The narrow, often congested lanes of Salia Sahi provide an ideal setting for such scams, with limited escape routes for targeted drivers.
Another commuter, who frequently travels through the area, reported: "Today, there were several kids and adults trying to stop me for money. I had to speed up my bike and quickly leave the area. I saw them bothering another scooty rider as I left."
The Bigger Picture
The emergence of this scam sheds light on the broader issues plaguing Salia Sahi and similar urban slums in Bhubaneswar. While parts of Salia Sahi are known to house law-abiding citizens, the area has long struggled with pockets of criminal activity, including drug peddling and other antisocial behaviors.
Attempts by the government to rehabilitate residents have been met with limited success. Political complications have arisen, with opposition parties often intervening to "save" the slum, which is viewed as a significant vote bank. This political maneuvering has inadvertently perpetuated the cycle of poverty and crime in the area.
An urban development expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained: "The situation in Salia Sahi is complex. While there are honest, hardworking people living there, there's also a system of illegal land occupation and subletting. Some individuals take over patches of land and rent them out to other poor people, charging as much as ₹3,000 for an area smaller than 10x10 feet."
Calls for Action
As news of this scam spreads, there are growing calls for local authorities to take decisive action. Traffic safety advocates are urging for increased police patrols in the area and the installation of CCTV cameras to deter such criminal activities.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling through Salia Sahi and similar areas. Recommendations include:
- Driving slowly and cautiously through narrow lanes
- If possible, avoiding the route altogether and opting for alternative paths
- Installing dashcams to record any potential incidents
- Immediately contacting the police if confronted with a suspected scam attempt
Looking Ahead
The fake accident scam in Salia Sahi is more than just a traffic safety issue; it's a symptom of deeper socio-economic problems that require comprehensive, long-term solutions. As Bhubaneswar continues to develop, addressing the needs of slum residents while combating criminal activities will be crucial for the city's overall progress and safety.
