Early Times Report
Srinagar, Feb 1: A day after 10 persons were killed after an overloaded Sumo carrying 15 passengers fell in a gorge near Boniyar, Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a top police officer on Thursday said that the driver of the ill-fated Sumo was challaned nine times in the past for overloading.
Talking to a Srinagar based news agency Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rural Kashmir Ravinder Paul Singh said: “The licence of the driver, who had carried passengers beyond the seating capacity in his vehicle, was already cancelled.”
“The driver was issued challans nine times in the past for overloading, which did not deter him from committing the violation The licence of the driver of the ill-fated vehicle, was already cancelled.
The SSP said that non-registered sumo stands would not be allowed to operate henceforth.
In spite of taking stern measures against the erring drivers they still indulge in traffic negligence.
The SSP said that non-registered sumo stands would not be allowed to operate henceforth in areas under his remit.“It is very sad that some drivers are flouting the traffic rules despite awareness programmes being conducted from time to time. In spite of taking stern measures against the erring drivers, indulging in traffic negligence by them is worrisome,” he said.
The SSP said that 1,18,337 drivers were issued challans for overloading in 2023 and stepped up traffic awareness drives were conducted to curb violations.
“I request the passengers not to travel in overloaded vehicles, which are fraught with risks,” he added. | 