Bhubaneswar: A day after a road accident in Baripada involving two vehicles without valid fitness certificates left two dead and several injured, the state govt on Saturday launched a statewide enforcement drive against unfit vehicles. Authorities have also cancelled the registrations of both vehicles involved in the crash. Commerce and Transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena instructed officials to take strict action against owners of unfit vehicles and ensure stronger enforcement of fitness, registration, insurance and permit requirements. The move follows a preliminary inquiry into the Baripada accident, which found neither of the two vehicles had fitness certificates.Officials said immediate steps have been initiated to cancel the registration of both vehicles. The minister also directed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Additional Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) to intensify inspections in their respective areas and identify vehicles plying without mandatory fitness certification.Authorities have been asked to initiate action under the Motor Vehicles Act against vehicles found violating safety norms and posing a threat to public safety. Registration of vehicles repeatedly flouting rules may also be cancelled, officials said. The drive will also focus on verifying vehicle insurance, permits and registration documents.The crackdown comes in the aftermath of the tragic accident near Baripada in Mayurbhanj district. At least two labourers were killed and four others, including three video journalists, were injured after a speeding truck ploughed into them and rammed into an overturned vehicle on NH-18 on Friday.The incident took place near Palabani Bypass in Baripada Town police station area after a wooden log-carrying vehicle turned turtle. However, as the occupants were rescued and video journalists rushed to the spot to cover the news of the accident, a speeding truck carrying iron ore dust ploughed into the crowd and rammed into the vehicle, a police officer said.Emphasising that public safety would remain the department’s top priority, Jena said strict action would continue against vehicles operating illegally without valid fitness certificates and registrations. Officials said that the intensified checks are aimed at removing unsafe vehicles from roads and improving compliance with transport regulations across Odisha.
