VASCO/PANAJI
A visibly upset Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday came down heavily on deaths due to drunken driving and said it was equivalent to murder on roads.
Commenting on the fatal accident at Banastarim on Sunday evening which killed three persons and injured around four others, Godinho told reporters said the most stringent action would be taken and no one will be spared in such incident.
The tragic accident has prompted the government to contemplate amending the existing Motor Vehicle Act to ensure accused drivers face stringent punishment.
Godinho has assured the State that no pressure tactics will be allowed in the present case whether or not a person holds an influential position in society. “We are planning to tweak the MVA to tighten the noose around anyone responsible for fatal accidents. They should not get away with simple punishments and imprisonment,” he said
“I am deeply pained by what has happened. The accident at Banastarim led to the death of three persons which means families have lost valuable members and bread earners,” said Godinho.
“This is nothing but plain murder on roads. Accidents due to drunken driving should invite stringent punishment because they are totally irresponsible after getting drunk and end up as killers," said Godinho.
Responding to the controversy over who was driving the car at the time of the fatal mishap, Godinho said investigations would reveal as to who was on the wheel, who was responsible and who needs to be punished.
“I endorse stringent action without showing mercy because it should serve as a deterrent to others, failing which this will keep happening and how much can we tolerate? We have seen rising accidents due to overspeeding, rash and negligent driving and we have to book these people.”
“Such cases must get the strictest of punishment because such fatal accidents are equivalent to murders on road,” said Godinho.
Godinho said he has convened a meeting of the Safety Council to plan more measures and that he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and do what is necessary to prevent fatalities on Goan roads. "I appeal to people to prevent young children from driving unless they obtain a licence to drive. We will not tolerate more deaths on the road,” said Godinho.
