Death of Jeys Benny due to open pit on road; 'No pain for those who caused his fall?': High court lashes out

KOCHI: Is no one sad? The life of a 27-year-old youth was lost in an open pit on the road. And that was due to the negligence of the authorities. There were many orders, but what use? This is a failure of the system. Repeated accidents are hurting the court....

The emotional outflow and anger were from the High Court. Justice Devan Ramachandran was hurt by the incident of biker Jeys Benny falling into an open pit on the roadside in Thodupuzha Muthalakodam the other day. The court was considering petitions regarding the poor condition of the roads.

Deaths in accidents are forgotten by society within hours but those who have lost loved ones will be depressed and mentally broken for the rest of their lives. Therefore, the government and society should be vigilant. Such incidents should be learned from.

The High Court has sought a report from the government on the Muthalakodam accident. Amicus Curiae Vinod Bhatt had submitted a report to the court. The matter will be considered again on March 5.

Solving problem after accidents will not do

Accidents due to careless driving occur, but accidents caused by 'system' errors are even more painful, the High Court said. The government, which is responsible for all departments, should take the helm of the regulations. Rather than finding solutions after the accident, it is necessary to prevent accidents from happening.

Action against officials should be reported

1. The accident occurred in a pit that had been uncovered for years after the slab collapsed. The action taken against the officials responsible for this should be reported next time the petition is considered.

2. The government has assured that it will seriously examine the circumstances of the accident. It has also informed that all departments will be made vigilant.

Slab on the drain in four days

The Public Works Department will immediately begin the process of installing a slab on the drain where Jeys Benny fell and died. A drinking water pipe is passing under the culvert. The Water Authority will replace it. The slab will be installed later. The entire work will be completed within four days, said Public Works Executive Engineer U.M. Shailendran.

Many people would have been saved if the hole had been filled ten years ago. I have not faced even a petty case and I am not in the mood to take legal action. Let the High Court itself help me." - Benny George, Jeys' father