A tragic road accident late Wednesday evening claimed the life of a young farmer and left another seriously injured in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. The incident has raised questions about police procedure, especially as it occurred during the observance of Road Safety Month.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place around 9 pm on Wednesday near the Richhaula police outpost on the Pilibhit–Madhotanda road. Two farmers from Jamunia village, Gulab Singh (30) and Jaspal Singh (28), were returning to their native village from Pilibhit city on a motorcycle. According to officials, the speeding motorcycle rammed into a roadside electric pole with severe force.
Police personnel from the nearby outpost rushed to the scene. Both injured men were immediately taken to the Autonomous State Medical College hospital. Tragically, Gulab Singh, the rider, succumbed to his injuries on the way. The pillion rider, Jaspal Singh, sustained multiple injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Police Suspect Alcohol, But Skip Critical Test
A constable posted at the Richhaula outpost, Morpal Singh, stated that the impact of the collision was severe. He suggested that the bikers appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
However, in a move that has drawn scrutiny, the police did not subject the injured survivor to a blood alcohol test during his medical treatment. This omission is notable given that the entire district is currently observing January as Road Safety Month, a period dedicated to preventing such tragedies.
When questioned, Station House Officer Brajveer Singh of Gajraula police station said, "A blood alcohol test was not advised." He confirmed that the body of Gulab Singh has been sent for a postmortem examination.
Official Calls for Mandatory Testing in Accidents
Reacting to the incident and the procedural lapse, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Virendra Singh took a firm stand. He announced that he would write to the district police administration urging them to make blood alcohol tests mandatory in all road accident cases.
This push for stricter protocol aims to ensure proper investigation and data collection, which is crucial for implementing effective road safety measures. The tragic death of Gulab Singh underscores the persistent dangers on Indian roads, even during campaigns designed to promote safety.
