While the Road Safety Week ending on Sunday was observed across the State, it may be pointed out that in Subarnapur district 48 people died in 162 accidents, 65 seriously were injured including 186 having received minor injuries in 2016.
Official sources said 38 cases werer registered under the Sonepur police station (PS) in which 11 people died, 17 seriously injured and 27 have been forwarded to court. Thirteen cases have been registered under the Tarbha PS in which three people died, 17 seriously injured and 10 have forwarded to court.
Similarly, 12 cases have been registered under the Dunguripali PS in which six died, five seriously injured and five have been forwarded to court.
Thirty- three cases have been registered under the Binka PS in which 10 road accident victims died, six seriously injured and 22 have been forwarded to court. Eighteen cases have been registered under the Birmaharajpur PS in which five people died, nine seriously injured and 11 have forwarded to court.
Similarly, 16 cases have been registered under the Ullunda PS in which three people died, seven seriously injured and 14 have been forwarded to court.
The district Regional Transport Office (RTO) was started in 2009.But unfortunately, no permanent Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has been appointed over the years. lachhaman Sahu was appointed as RTO for 16 months from April 4, 2011 to August 2012.
But another interesting fact is, after the district RTO was set up it has been under the in- charge RTOs for seven years, while now Sub-Collector Surya Narayan Dash is in dual charge for over three years.
A junior MVI had taken charge before a few days. So, it is no surprise that by the day, accidents are increasing in the district. locals have demanded the State Government to post a permanent RTO to curb the spiraling accidents.