Members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by senior party leader and former Minister Durai Murugan, on Monday staged a road block demanding action against those responsible for the road accident involving Vellore Collector’s car that killed a 23-year-old motorist on Sunday.
On Sunday night, Rajkumar, a resident of Karnampattu, was killed on the spot after his scooter was involved in an accident near Sevur. He is the son of Valarmathi Kasinathan, panchayat president of Karnampattu. Udaya Suriyan, who was on the pillion, sustained injuries.
The protestors charged Collector R. Nanthagopal of failing to wait and rush the injured to the hospital. Rather, they said he boarded another car and left the spot.
Durai Murugan, who is Katpadi MLA, said that Rajkumar along with Udaya Suriyan was travelling from Katpadi, while the Collector’s car was heading in the opposite direction.
“The road is 60 feet wide. The Collector’s car has swerved towards right ramming into the scooter that was coming in the opposite direction. Rajkumar died on the spot and the scooter was badly damaged,” he said.
Mr. Murugan added, “Eye witnesses told me that it was the Collector who was driving the car when the accident occurred. They said he left the spot in another car and did not wait to help the injured person,” he added.
The former Minister said as MLA of the constituency, he visited the spot after a public meeting at nearly 11 p.m. but was unable to locate the site.
“The accident occurred at nearly 9.30 p.m. The police had completely cleared the scene. Usually, the traffic police will mark the area and the brake inspector will inspect the vehicles involved. In this case, the car was removed from the spot,” he alleged.
“The Collector was returning after attending a cocktail party at a club near Karnampattu,” he claimed.
Mr. Murugan added that he will take up the issue at all forums, particularly in the Assembly.
The party persons staged the road block near Karnampattu and then moved to Chittoor bus terminus affecting movement of traffic. Superintendent of Police, Vellore P.K. Senthilkumari went to the spot and held talks with Mr. Murugan.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case under IPC sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) at Katpadi police station.
A senior police officer said that the DMK party has alleged that the Collector was driving the vehicle. “Investigation is on. We will investigate into this claim,” the officer said.
Ms. Senthilkumari said the car will be inspected by officials of the Regional Transport Office and a requisition in this regard has been given.
