Rights panel asks Collector to take urgent steps against over-speeding by private buses

Kerala State Human Rights Commission Chairperson Alexander Thomas has directed the Ernakulam District Collector to call a meeting of the District Police Chief (Kochi City), Regional Transport Officer (RTO), head of Road Safety Authority, and the Kochi Corporation secretary to take urgent steps to check over-speeding and reckless operation of private buses in the city.

The direction was issued on a suo motu case registered by the Commission based on media reports on the death of a college student who was fatally knocked down by a private bus from behind while trying to overtake a car last week. The District Collector should inform the Commission within four weeks about the measures taken based on the meeting.

The Commission also asked District Police Chief (Kochi City) to probe the reasons leading to the death of the student Govind N. Shenoy of T.D. Road. District Police Chief should also submit within four weeks details about the traffic violations, including over-speeding and accidents caused by the said bus, details of the cases registered, and steps taken to prevent such accidents and violations of laws. The RTO should also submit a separate report.

Mr. Thomas ordered that the Revenue Divisional Officer representing the Collector and representatives of RTO and District Police Chief should inform the Commission about the steps taken by appearing in person at the sitting to be held at the PWD guesthouse on September 10.