Keonjhar: The district police allegedly ordered the digging of National Highway-20 here without the permission of NHAI to facilitate passage of a trailer truck stuck under an over-bridge, triggering a row.
Locals claimed that the move has damaged the highway and the over-bridge and has disrupted traffic on the stretch. Power and drinking water supply in the area has also been disrupted after digging of the highway, they said.
Locals have demanded a high-level investigation into the incident and stringent action against the wrongdoers. They have questioned as to whether the trailer was moving illegally on the highway or the over-bridge was constructed at a low height.
They asked as to who will pay for the damage and repair of the highway and the over-bridge which has become weak due to the alleged shortsightedness of the police.
Sources said the trailer truck plying on the Kolkata-Mumbai NH-49 arrived here seven days back. It was crossing the town when it failed to pass under the over-bridge on NH-20 near the Judia Ghat due to its height. The truck was stuck after a large cylindrical container on its carriage hit the roof of the bridge.
It is alleged that the police went out of their way to help the trailer truck pass in exchange of heavy kickbacks.
The police instead of restricting the movement of such heavy vehicles tried to facilitate smooth passage of the truck under the over-bridge. The police allegedly with the help of labourers dug the highway for over 5-6 feet to give passage to the vehicle.
The police didn’t seek the permission of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) while digging the stretch.
When contacted, SDPO Sriharsha Mishra said he has no information about the claims but will enquire about it.
A Hardash, project director of NHAI, also feigned ignorance of the development. He said none has taken permission to dig the highway. He, however, assured a probe and action in this regard.