The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Director General of Police (DGP) and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissioner of Police (CP) over alleged negligence of police that led to an accident at Khandagiri square where three persons were killed.
Acting on a complaint filed by human rights activist Akhand, the NHRC has directed two senior police officers to submit report within four weeks.
It is to be noted here that three persons were died and 15 others injured as a sand laden truck entered into ‘no entry’ zone at Khandagiri square on December 1 last year. Nijamudin Khan (20), an autorickshaw driver, Biswanath Sasmal (40) of Jadupur and Monalisa Samal (24), a native of Jharsuguda were killed in the mishap.
Akhand of India Media Centre had filled a petition before NHRC on December 3. He stated that the narrow road between the famous twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri was declared as ‘no entry’ zone for heavy vehicles in July 2011. Besides, the Commissionerate Police has also imposed a ban on entry of such heavy vehicles into city limit from 8 am to 10 pm. But the execution of the ‘no entry’ order is far from reality, the petitioner alleged.
The truck was illegally possessed by a sand mafia and was engaged in transportation of sand and building materials. Then, how was a dumper allowed entry into the city limits during the prohibited hoursIJ It is clear that traffic police are turning a blind eye to such vehicles. Had there been a restriction on vehicles, the mishap could have been averted, said Akhand.
The petitioner prayed before the commission for compensation to the victims and action against guilty officials responsible for the incident.