Kaziranga Accident: Assam Congress blames transport department negligence, demands action against officials

Former Rajya Sabha MP and former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Ripun Bora has blamed alleged negligence by the state Transport Department for the fatal road accident at Rangajan in Kaziranga, demanding strict action against the driver and officials responsible for lapses.

Speaking to the media, Bora questioned how the driver involved in the accident was allowed to continue operating a vehicle despite having faced punitive action on eight previous occasions for alleged overspeeding and reckless driving.

He said the authorities should have taken stricter action against the driver and considered stopping the vehicle from operating in view of his previous violations.

Bora also questioned the enforcement of speed limits inside Kaziranga, where vehicle speeds are restricted to between 20 and 40 kmph and CCTV cameras have been installed at several locations.

He asked why the Forest Department, Transport Department and local administration had failed to take effective action against vehicles violating the prescribed speed limits.

Demanding accountability, the Congress leader called for stringent action against those responsible for the accident and officials who allegedly failed to discharge their duties.

Bora also expressed concern over the condition of the injured victims and urged the government to ensure that they receive the best possible medical treatment. He said patients should be shifted to advanced medical centres in Delhi or Chennai, if required, with all expenses borne by the government.

Referring to the government's announcement of Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, Bora said financial assistance could not bring back lives lost in the tragedy.

He stressed that the government's responsibility should go beyond announcing compensation, adding that saving the lives of the injured and ensuring access to quality medical care must remain its top priority.