Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SK)
Mangaluru, Jun 23: Locals protested at Kaikamba junction on Friday June 23 by blocking the traffic over the death of a bike rider after a bus collided with his vehicle near Gurpur junction on June 22.
Santhosh Kumar (34), a resident of Kariyangala village of Polali, who was riding the bike, had died in the accident.
Large number of people gathered and protested. People questioned the reckless driving of bus drivers that is claiming the life of several people young and old. Since a couple of months many two-wheeler riders and pedestrians have lost their lives due to the negligent attitude bus drivers.
Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik said, “Locals of Kaikamba are furious due to this incident. The roads are narrow due to highway construction, making it challenging for buses to travel. The majority of bus drivers drive the bus rashly, which is the primary cause of accidents. Thus, we will attempt to address their issue by visiting the DC’s office today.”
A local said, “Proper measures should be taken regarding the timings of the buses which is creating most of the problem. On June 24, the RTO, police, drivers, bus owners and MLAs will gather for a meeting to discuss the best course of action against the issue.”
MLA Bharath Shetty said, “It is challenging for the bus drivers to arrive at the destination on time because of the highway road work. Therefore, a meeting addressing the buses’ arrival time is arranged. As the accidents occurred in the same location twice, we are looking for a reasonable solution to the issue.”
Kaikamba junction was completely blocked due to the protest and despite the rain, hundreds of people gathered and expressed their ire.
Bajpe police visited the spot. As the buses were not allowed to move, passengers going to Mangaluru, Bajpe, Polali, B C road etc were stuck in the buses.
It may be recalled that a bus claimed the life of an 11-year-old kid and a 65-year-old pedestrian in March in a week’s span at Bendorewell.
While Karthik (19) lost his life in Moodbidri after his two-wheeler collided against a bus, a Ullal bus driver’s presence of mind saved the life of a pedestrian two days ago after which a case was filed against the him for reckless driving.