Incident fuels demand for crackdown on tourist driving violations
A speeding rent-a-car driven by a minor without a valid licence met with an accident near Velsao lake around 6 am on Thursday, damaging a roadside cross and plunging into a culvert, sparking outrage among locals over reckless tourist driving.
According to sources, the lone occupant—a tourist—escaped with minor injuries. However, police reportedly found a beer bottle inside the vehicle during the recovery operation, raising suspicions that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol.
In a shocking turn, eyewitnesses claimed that the crane operator brought in to recover the vehicle was seen attempting to dispose off the beer bottle by throwing it into nearby bushes, allegedly to eliminate potential evidence.
The incident has once again triggered concern among Velsao residents, who have been complaining about increasing cases of speeding and negligent driving by tourists. Locals are now demanding stricter enforcement on rent-a-car services and improved safety measures along the vulnerable lake stretch.
Verna police said that the driver involved in the accident was a minor and was driving without a licence.
"We have registered a case of dangerous driving without a valid licence. The driver is a minor of 17 years of age and a native of Bhopal, MP. He has been lodged in Apna Ghar for child care and protection," said a source.
