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India Today reality check: Urgent issues after Dehradun accident – Uttarakhand News
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India Today reality check: Urgent issues after Dehradun accident – Uttarakhand News

Terrible 12 November Dehradun car accident The incident, which claimed the lives of six students, all under the age of 25, raised immediate concerns questioning the continued incidence of drink-driving and speeding. According to officials, the collision at ONGC Chowk, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand, was the result of careless driving while the occupants of the Innova SUV were drunk.

Just before the accident, İnnova entered the high-speed race with its BMW car and was traveling at a staggering speed of over 120 km per hour. The impact of the collision between the SUV and the stationary truck was so severe that the vehicle was shattered into pieces and the victims were reportedly decapitated.

The sole survivor is currently in critical condition in intensive care.

Amid concerns, India Today TV team conducted an on-site inspection to assess the situation at some important traffic points in Dehradun.

In response to the fatal accident, Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand Police Abhinav Kumar ordered strict checking of vehicles at all important locations in the city. SSP Dehradun Ajay Singh also said that a strict control campaign will be carried out across Dehradun.

However, India Today investigation has revealed that there was absolutely no police presence at Kuthal Gate, the primary access point for vehicles coming from Mussoorie, and no vehicle inspection was carried out. Barricades have been placed but the platform is used as a divider.

The lack of street lights plunged the entire area into darkness. This allowed many vehicles to excessively speed without fear of being checked, significantly endangering public safety.

Meanwhile, the investigation team found a liquor shop in Old Rajpur Chowk, 3.5 km from Kuthal Gate. The shop was open, there were no customers, the street was deserted and many vehicles were parked in secluded areas.

Despite being a critical checkpoint, there was also no police presence at Old Rajpur Chowk.

The India Today investigation team finally found a few police personnel at Diversion Chowk, a major intersection in Dehradun. The area is popular for nightlife due to the presence of many pubs, lounges and restaurants. Here, police detectives equipped with body cameras actively inspect vehicles and also check drivers’ alcohol levels.

Police were seen conducting alcohol analyzer tests at Dilaram Chowk, which is often referred to as Dehradun’s Chicken Neck due to its strategic location. This road connects Rajpur Road, Ghanta Ghar and the Prime Minister’s residence.

But heavy traffic congestion plagues the area and causes long delays for commuters. While the efforts of the police were visible, the lack of effective traffic management resulted in significant stranding of vehicles.

Brahmkamal Chowk, which serves as a link between Sahastradhara Road and Rajpur, was again short of police; and Garhi Cantt Chowk, which leads directly to ONGC Chowk, where the accident on November 12 took place.

Considering the importance of Brahmkamal Chowk, which is also close to the SSP’s residence, and Garhi Cantt Chowk, which passes through the cantonment, the lack of monitoring raises serious doubts about the credibility of law enforcement agencies.

Despite the horrific accident, the research team did not find any noticeable increase in monitoring at ONGC Chowk. There was no one at the police station and there were no barricades or police officers.

Ballupur Chowk, where the ill-fated SUV was last seen on CCTV before the accident, remained empty with no roadblocks or checkpoints. The fact that the vehicles continued to stop in the middle of the road eliminated the ongoing dangers.

DEHRADUN POLICE INTERVENED IN REALITY CHECK IN INDIA TODAY

Responding to the report, Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh said that checkpoints have been set up as per the city layout. Currently, there are 17 checkpoints in Dehradun where inspections are carried out.

He also said that constant barricading would lead to traffic congestion.

“Problems such as careless driving and drunk driving mostly occur between 22.00 and 05.00, so the checks start at 22.00. Breathalyzer tests are carried out at five different points, including three additional points in rural areas. Alcohol checks in public places usually occur at 22.00 in the evening.” It is done after.” added the SSP.

WHY IS THERE NO CHECKING PERFORMED AT THE ACCIDENT SITE?

Ajay Singh, SSP, stated that a police patrol called ‘cheetah’ has been deployed on the Garhi Cantt route along Ballupur Road.

“We have established 17 checkpoints strategically placed throughout the city. These checkpoints are activated when we receive reports of an accident or incident. We do not think that it is practical or necessary to establish checkpoints on every road and at every point. The last accident was an unfortunate and random event, but critical areas were analyzed. “We prioritize doing so,” he added.

The senior cop added that the police will extend the duration of traffic lights and apply double rumble strips.

“We are taking measures to ensure that traffic lights remain operational till midnight and are exploring methods to prevent future incidents. Dehradun Police will install double rumble strips near the accident.”

Posted by:

Karishma Saurabh Kalita

Publication Date:

19 November 2024