Irate students in Belagavi bring govt to its knees

The protest had an immediate impact as the district administration imposed a ban on heavy vehicles moving between Macche and the third railway gate from 7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm in the evening.

Students from various engineering colleges in the city gathered at the accident spot where Darshana Sanjay Chougule (19) was killed after being knocked down by a truck at the Majgaon Cross.

Irate students from different engineering colleges in the city gathered in huge numbers at the Majgaon Cross at around 10 am and blocked the highway from 10 am to 1 pm, demanding the immediate widening of the NH4A stretch between third railway gate and Macche.

The situation tensed up as senior district officials took time in reaching the site. An additional police force had to be deployed to bring the situation under control.

“Ten persons have died in mishaps along this stretch of road. How many more lives are to be claimed before authorities initiate measures?” asked one student.

They also were demanding a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on this stretch during peak morning and evening hours, besides the deputation of traffic police between the third railway gate and Chorla Cross.

Despite requests from police, students refused to move from the venue. The blockade caused a huge traffic jam along the highway, as long queues of vehicles were seen for about 5 kms on the either side.

Yielding to persistent demands from students, Additional Commissioner Suresh reached the spot and assured the protesting students that apart from speeding up the road-widening work, other measures would be also initiated.

Accordingly, the district administration with immediate effect has imposed a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles from Macche to the third railway gate from 7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm in the evening.

The students finally dispersed at around 1 pm, after offering tribute to the deceased girl student, in the presence of the bereaved family.