Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a judicial probe into illegal mining in Samana, Patiala district. This decision comes a month after a tragic road accident involving a sand-laden tipper claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren.
The Chief Minister met with the grieving families on Saturday and assured them that strict action would be taken. He said that tipper drivers violating traffic rules, and anyone trying to shield the guilty or influence the investigation, would not be spared.
Soon after his visit, Samana DSP Guriqbal Singh Sikand was transferred to Shahpur Kandi in Pathankot. Mann had promised that police officers found guilty of negligence would face stern consequences.
Addressing the media, Mann revealed that the tipper driver involved in the crash was only 19 years old and had just a learner’s licence. He stressed that only those with valid heavy vehicle licences should be allowed to drive such vehicles, calling this type of carelessness “criminal”.
The CM also confirmed that all police commissioners, SSPs, and transport officials in Punjab have been directed to crack down on overloaded and illegally operating tippers. He assured that no one, regardless of their political connections, would be protected if found guilty.
Families of the victims had been protesting, demanding the arrest of truck owner Randhir Singh and action against negligent police officials. Mann said departmental action — including transfers and suspensions — would be taken against those responsible. Following these assurances, the families ended their protest.
To improve road safety, Mann directed the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a survey for widening the accident-prone road near Pasiana to four lanes. He also called for better monitoring of school transportation.
In memory of the children, Mann announced the creation of a Children’s Memorial Trust, where the mothers of the deceased will be included as members.
Be the first to comment