Gujarat: Sarpanch held for illegal speed-breaker that killed two

VADODARA: A sarpanch of a village in Chhota Udepur district was detained on Thursday for constructing an illegal speed breaker which resulted in accidents that killed two bikers and left two co-passengers injured on Wednesday night.

The sarpanch Vikram Rathwa and a tractor driver Bhavsing Rathwa who helped in making the speed-breaker were booked at Chhota Udepur police station for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Police said that Vikram and Bhavsing constructed the speed breaker just after a curve on the road at Bharkundafaliya at Achhala village on Wednesday evening. The sarpanch felt that the commuters used to over-speed on that stretch which led to accidents. The duo made a non-standardized speed breaker using lumps of soil and construction waste.
On Wednesday late evening one of the deceased Kanu Rathwa (52) and his friend Ishwar Rathwa were returning to their home through Achhala village. When the duo had passed the same road in the morning, there was no speed breaker. On his return journey, Kanu didn’t anticipate the speed breaker and lost control over the vehicle while driving over it. Kanu succumbed on the spot while Ishwar suffered minor injuries on left hand and leg.
A while later, a couple — Soniyabhai Rathwa (60) and Zini Rathwa — too met with a similar fate. Soniyabhai did not notice the speed breaker due to the darkness and met with an accident. Soniyabhai was referred to SSG Hospital in Vadodara where he died during treatment while Zini was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
As the information about the two accidents spread in the area, a huge crowd gathered at the site. While questioning the locals, police learnt that the sarpanch and Bhavsing had constructed the speed breaker. Later, based on Ishwar’s complaint, an offence was registered against the sarpanch.
“We have detained Vikram and he is in quarantine as his Covid-19 test is pending. During preliminary interrogation, he said that he decided to construct the speed breaker as several accidents were taking place on the stretch,” said J K Patel, inspector of Chhota Udepur police station.
“A sarpanch does not have authority construct a speed breaker on a public road,” he added.
On Thursday evening, senior officials of police department, roads and buildings department and RTO visited the site for inspection.