Thrissur: Peechi police has charged a murder case against nine people including National Highway Authority of India Chairman. The case was registered as per the directive of a court here as 18 people died in accidents that happened between Mannuthy and Vadakkanchery at Palakkad-Thrissur National Highway during the last one year.
54 people have died in last five years in the accident that happened along heavily damaged Mannuthy-Vadakkanchery NH Road. The case was registered on a plea filed by Thrissur DCC General Secretary Shaji K. Kodankandath pointing out 18 death during last one year., have been fighting a legal battle for last three years against nonchalance of NH officials and contractors.
The officials, including NHAI Chairman Yudvir Singh Malik, named in the case should appear before the court to avail bail.
The court directed the police to register a case after pointing out that the road was built unscientifically. Serious charges on six counts have been filed against the accused. The charges included causing accidents, hindrances and pollution through acts perpetrating homicide and threat to the life and property of the people. The court had issued several warnings against the officials who ignored them. The Kerala High Court had asked Police Chiefs of Thrissur and Palakkad districts to ascertain whether safety measures were properly implemented.