Three pedestrians knocked down by KAAC car in Bokajan, One dead

Bokajan: At least three people including a minor was knocked down by a speeding Scorpio car in the late hours of Wednesday. The driver fled the spot with the car after the incident. He was, however, identified by locals as the car belonged to an elected member of KAAC residing in the vicinity.

As reported, the three pedestrians were attempting to cross the road when they were hit by the car. The impact of the strike was so severe that the 12-year-old minor Shah Jalan was pronounced dead at the spot while the two others sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to the nearby hospital for first aid. They were later shifted to Dimapur for better medical attention.

Meanwhile, Karbi Anglong Police have recovered the vehicle from the residence of MAC Mukut Mahanta and had towed it down to Bokajan Police station for further investigation. Sources informed that the car is void of any insurance policy and is registered on behalf of the Executive Engineer, PWD, KAAC. Locals alleged that the car was driven by a civilian Amar Gurung who was under influence of liquor.

The car was assigned to MAC Mukut Mahanta of Deopani Constituency post-KAAC Election, 2017.

Also Read: High Traffic Fines To Avert Road Accidents: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on September 12 defended the recent hike in traffic fines and described it as a deterrent which will promote road safety and avert accidents.

According to the Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the higher fines are meant to save lives rather than augment revenue.

Gadkari said that States can decide to lower the fines imposed in their jurisdictions.

“We haven’t done this (Amendment Act) to augment revenue. We have done this to save lives. If state governments want to reduce it (fines), they are welcome to do so,” Gadkari said when asked about the steep rise in traffic violation penalties.

“We have received a very positive response on this,” the minister said, adding that the fines have been increased after 30 years.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, approved by President Ram Nath Kovind last month, aims at stricter punishment for violation of traffic regulations.

Also Read: Northeast’s Fatal Road Accidents: Assam Tops list

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