Should There Be an Investigation into the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Blaze?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investigation Demanded: Calls for thorough investigation into highway accident.
- RTO Accountability: Allegations of RTO negligence may have contributed to the tragedy.
- Safety Protocols Needed: Urgent need for SOPs regarding hazardous materials transport.
- Government Action Required: Beniwal urges state government and CM to address the issue seriously.
- Past Incidents: Previous accidents linked to RTO conduct raise serious concerns.
Jaipur, Oct 8 (NationPress) Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) leader and MP Hanuman Beniwal has called for an investigation into the devastating blaze that erupted following a collision between a chemical-laden tanker and a truck transporting LPG cylinders on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway.
In a recent statement shared on social media, Beniwal expressed, 'I extend my prayers to the Almighty for the peace of the soul of the individual who tragically lost their life in this horrific incident and wish a swift recovery to all those who suffered burn injuries.'
He brought forth serious allegations against the state's Road Transport Office (RTO), referencing media reports indicating that the tanker driver lost control due to the abrupt presence of an RTO official at the accident scene.
'This is not the first occurrence where the RTO's actions have purportedly led to a fatal accident. Just a few months ago in Dausa, four family members tragically perished under similar circumstances attributed to RTO negligence,' Beniwal remarked.
Describing the incident as a 'systemic failure', he urged the Rajasthan government to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He stressed the importance of scrutinizing the role of RTOs in highway accidents throughout the state.
Beniwal also called on Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to take this issue seriously, urging discussions with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
He advocated for the immediate implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transport of hazardous materials like chemicals and LPG, a prohibition on random truck stoppages by RTO officials on highways, and a directive for vehicle inspections to be conducted only at designated, safe locations. Furthermore, he demanded an end to the unwarranted harassment of truck drivers by enforcement personnel.
'If the government genuinely investigates this pattern, numerous cases of accidents resulting from RTO misconduct will likely surface,' he asserted.
Beniwal tagged the official accounts of @BhajanlalBjp, @MORTHIndia, @NHAI_Official, and @RajCMO in his statement, urging them to take immediate corrective actions to avert such tragedies in the future.