Odisha Transport Minister seeks report from Deogarh RTO

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 18:

Odisha Transport Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi today sought a report from Deogarh Regional Transport Officer (RTO) on the details of the ill-fated bus which fell of Tilaebani Gaelo ghat killing 27 passengers, majority of them belonging to an opera party.

gaelo bus mishap

The state Transport Minister has sought a report from the RTO and asked him to submit it at the earliest following which action would be initiated in case of any lapses.

“We have sought a report from the Deogarh RTO asking him to probe under what circumstance the accident has taken place. Besides, we have asked him to inquire whether the vehicle had valid documents like fitness and driving license of the driver. The Cuttack RTO revealed that the vehicle was registered with them and it had not complied with the notice served on him regarding the expiry of fitness. After receipt of the detailed report, strict action would be initiated against the errant,” Transport Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi said.

Meanwhile, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), Cuttack has said that a show-cause notice will be served on the owner of the vehicle as he has not replied to the demand notice issued to him last year.

“The fitness of the vehicle had expired on April 24, 2013 after which a demand notice was served on the owner of the vehicle. Last fiscal, we had issued demand notices to over 17, 000 persons whose fitness had expired. A show cause notice would be served to the owner of the vehicle today,” Cuttack MVI, Rashmiranjan Dalbehera informed.

Notably, the bus bearing registration number OR O5 AB 9535 was registered with Cuttack transport office.

As per the transport department’s website, the owner of the vehicle—Tapan Kumar Mohanty—hails from Nemeisapur under Ayatpur Sadar in Cuttack district.

It may be mentioned that the bus carrying artistes of Bharati Gananatya (an opera party) fell into a gorge after skidding off Tilaebani Gaelo ghat in Deogarh district. The bus was on its way to Remta in Bargarh district after performing at a show. The group was to leave for Chhattisgarh for performance today.

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