Lorry that destroyed lights, cameras inside Kuthiran tunnel taken into police custody

THRISSUR/VADAKKANCHERRY: The Peechi police took into custody a Taurus lorry that smashed LED lights and cameras in the Kuthiran tunnel. The lorry belongs to a native of Irumbupalam, who has a contract for the construction of the national highway.

Peechi police took the lorry and driver Jinesh into custody. The lorry was in use in connection with road construction. As the vehicle was identified, Peechi CI Shukur told the vehicle owner to report to the station, following which the driver arrived at the station. Police later seized the vehicle.

The Taurus lorry from Palakkad reached the tunnel at 8.50 pm on Thursday with a lifted carriage and passed through the tunnel. The lorry did not stop after completely destroying 104 lights, panels, ten security cameras and dust detection sensors at a stretch of 300 metres.

The damage is estimated at Rs 10 lakh. The footage of the tipper lorry was obtained from CCTV but the number was not clear. It is not yet clear whether the lights in the tunnel were deliberately broken or it was an accident. The people concerned have to be questioned for clarity. The tipper stopped after the sound of lights breaking and then drove off without stopping after lowering the rear. However, the damage of lights did not affect traffic through the tunnel. With the opening of the second tunnel last day, the traffic congestion in the first tunnel has been reduced. Authorities barricaded the area where the lights were broken and allowed the vehicle to pass through another area. Contract company officials said it would take time to replace the broken cameras and lights.