Mangaluru: The project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) lodged a complaint alleging that a group of persons unlawfully obstructed govt work to close a median opening on NH-66, which was undertaken to prevent frequent accidents and loss of life.The project director, NHAI, has responsibility for National Highways 66, 73, 169, and 75 within the limits of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. As per the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, he is authorised to carry out any repairs or modifications on these national highway stretches.
Accordingly, due to repeated vehicle accidents and fatalities at the median opening on NH-66 between the KPT Junction and Kuntikana Junction, near the highway crossroad, and following complaints received by the NHAI, instructions were issued to Mugrodi Construction Company to close the said median opening to prevent further accidents.Police said the work commenced on Feb 3, and the next day, between 9.15pm and 9.30pm, the complainant was present at the site issuing directions regarding the work to Mugrodi Construction Company supervisor Subrahmanya, and his workers. At that time, Pramod Ballalbhag, Umesh Shetty, Praveen Kumar, Santosh Kumar Barebailu, and others, with a common intention, allegedly formed an unlawful assembly and obstructed the complainant from performing his official duties. They also prevented the workers from continuing the work. A case in this regard was registered at Mangaluru East police station.
