New MV Act: Odisha Cong Warns RTO Staff, Cops Against Harassment Of People

Bhubaneswar: The Congress on Monday warned Regional Transport Office (RTO) staff and police against harassing people during the checking of vehicles in Odisha.

Congress leader Suresh Routray alleged that there have been complaints that police and RTO staff are harassing and misbehaving even with women while checking their vehicles.

“The Congress strongly condemns such highhanded attitude and Hitler rule and cautions the authorities concerned to refrain from harassing the people failing which it will gherao all RTOs and police stations in the state in the coming days,” he said.

Routray also urged the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Commerce and Transport Minister to reduce the fine amounts being collected from violators of the new traffic rules. “Some states are collecting less fine and the Odisha government should follow the same,” he said.

At the same time, the Congress leader requested people to abide by the new traffic regulation for their safety.

Commenting on Routray’s statement, Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said that the state government will not tolerate the rowdy behaviour of RTO staff and police while dealing with the people. “They have been specifically instructed to behave properly with people,” he added.

Claiming that the rate of road accidents in Odisha has come down to about 50 per cent with the implementation of the new Motor Vehicle Act, the minister said since the safety of the people is the responsibility of the government, the people should cooperate with the government and sincerely follow the new traffic rules.