PANAJI
Investigation into the Mandovi Bridge accident could uncover a bunch of flaws surrounding the illegal operation of certain tourist taxis as rent-a-cars.
The Transport Department has issued notices to both -- the owner of the ill-fated car Shantaram Govekar and the accused driver, Ankit Triparty who is currently in judicial custody.
Adding to this complex situation as the police and transport officials are inquiring into this aspect, the license of the Rent-a-Car Association, under which this LPV (Light Passenger Vehicle) GA-03-V-1709 was registered, had lapsed last year. This meant the Association had also been functioning illegally, as confirmed by a police officer.
“The car owner had applied for rent-a-car status, a process facilitated by the Association. However, the Association's license had expired, which led to the application being in limbo. While the approval process was pending, it was Govekar's fault to allow the vehicle to be used as a rent-a-cab although knowing it was in blatant violation of the rules,” the source said.
Until this approval, the car had a temporary permit as a tourist taxi. With the Transport Department already issuing notices, the owner is directed to respond within 15 days followed by a detailed hearing before the State Transport Authority. The license holder, on the other hand, could be imposed a hefty penalty while he is also being investigated for a criminal offense by the Panaji police.
“The license holder is facing legal action, but the owner will not be spared too. His permit could be revoked and might not be issued further permissions, depending on the STA hearing and subsequent order,” an officer said.
Triparty, an Odisha native, is currently lodged in Colvale Central Jail for driving the car in a drunken and reckless manner, which resulted in the death of 38-year-old Javed Sadekar.
The victim was riding a bike when the speeding car veered into the wrong lane and collided head-on with the bike. Consequently, Sadekar fell into the river and was found dead two days later.
