Cuttack: The brazen violation of High Court order banning plying of heavy vehicles in residential areas during rush hours has not only resulted in loss of lives but also exposed a lax traffic police.
Death of two children in road mishaps in the last six months exposes the failure of traffic police in keeping heavy vehicles off the city roads during rush hours.
The HC has imposed restrictions on movement of heavy vehicles like trucks and tractors on city roads from 8am to 10pm. Though the traffic police are supposed to execute the HC order in letter and spirit, many heavy vehicles fearlessly ply on the busy streets of Silver City, sources said.
Punyagourav Nayak (13), a resident of Rajendra Nagar, was crushed to death under the wheels of sand-laden tractor November 18 last year. Punyagourav, the only child of his parents, met the mishap while returning home from a coaching class.
“We lost our only son due to the failure of traffic police to keep heavy vehicles off the city roads during rush hours. Authorities should implement the HC order strictly and take action against the violators,” said Dibyaranjan, Punyagourav’s father.
In a similar incident, Sayed Soib Alli (7), a resident of Saitani Bagicha, succumbed to his injuries after a tractor hit him in Qudam-E-Rasool area February 12 this year. Sayed was also the only child of his parents. The incident had created a law and order situation in the city. At least 10 people including five security personnel were injured in a clash that erupted when an angry mob gheraoed Dargha Bazar police station to vent their anger over the mishap.
Locals and intellectuals have squarely blamed the Commissionerate police for the twin deaths in road mishaps.
“The callousness of Commissionerate police in taking action against errant vehicle operators has left two couples childless,” said Khageswar Sethi, a senior citizen.
Expressing concern over non-execution of HC order, advocate Satyabrata Pradhan said, “We will soon inform the court about the tragic death of two children due to illegal movement of heavy vehicles.”
Activist Binapani Das criticised the traffic cops who are busy checking helmets and licences only and urged them to perform their duty properly which can significantly help curb such mishaps.
Former director general of police Gopal Chandra Nanda, however, said the city does not have adequate traffic police to ensure safety of commuters.
Deputy commissioner of police Sanjeev Arora said he has instructed traffic police not to allow any heavy vehicle on city roads after 8am. “Any violation in this regard will invite stern action,” he added.
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