PWD’s report blames municipality for death of youth after falling into culvert in Thodupuzha

IDUKKI: The Public Works Department report has blamed the municipality for the death of a youth after falling into an opened culvert in Thodupuzha's Muthalakodam. The PWD report clarifies that the municipality removed the slabs to prevent waterlogging and had repeatedly requested them to close it. The report also stated that the slabs should be restored to prevent repeated accidents.

The dead ws Jaye Benny (27), son of Benny and Bindu of Parakkunnel House in Muthalakodam. The accident happened on Monday night at around 10.40 pm. Jayce was coming from Thodupuzha to Muthalakodam. He lost control of his bike and fell into the culvert on the side of the road. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but his life could not be saved.

The locals complained that the PWD authorities did not show any interest in repairing the dangerous culvert despite complaints from them for years. There are allegations that the nearby building owner informed the Public Works authorities that he would install the slabs free of charge, but they did not even agree to this. However, the Public Works Department's report is blaming the municipality.

The report says that the slabs could not be replaced because they were removed using a JCB. Many accidents, both small and big, have occurred here in the past. There is no warning board or light in this area near the curve.