Irate locals on Sunday laid siege to the Bekal-Palakkunnu stretch of the Kanhangad-Kasaragod coastal State Highway after a speeding car fatally knocked down a youth in the locality, forcing the diversion of vehicular traffic from the busy route.
The locals, protesting against frequent accidents on the stretch and the failure of the authorities to put in place a speed regulation mechanism on the road, where major reconstruction work has been completed, waylaid vehicles coming from both sides.
Traffic had to be diverted through circuitous routes, causing hardship to road users.
A day-long hartal was observed by the local fishermen community in the locality to protest against the youth’s death.
Dileep Kumar, 22, a resident of Bekal, was killed on the spot after the car hit him near Palakkunnu around 8 p.m. on Saturday. Irate locals damaged the car involved in the accident.
As tension began to build up, a team led by Superintendent of Police A. Srinivas rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the mob. The locals then decided to block vehicular movement on the stretch all through the day.
Locals protest against frequent accidents on stretch and failure of authorities to take necessary steps
