THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan has demanded the collection of tolls to be stopped till potholes are filled in the national highway. "Tolls are paid to provide special facilities for travel. No toll should be collected from these roads full of holes without repairing them", he said. Satheesan was speaking in connection with the incident in Nedumbassery where a biker fell into a pothole and died after a vehicle ran over him.

"This is a systemic murder. It is the government's duty to fill the potholes and repair the roads properly before monsoon. It didn't. That is why this matter was brought as an urgent resolution in the assembly. Still no action was taken. We are going to directly ask Thrissur Collector and Ernakulam Collector not to collect toll under any circumstances without repairing the highway and filling the potholes. Earlier, the government used to make the arrangements for filling pits directly. Now contractors have to do it. The problem was created by the administrative failure and irresponsible approach. Kerala is full of potholes. Now someone's life has been lost. Many people are at risk. There are people lying in hospitals with broken arms and legs. The government's response is in an irresponsible way" - Satheesan pointed out.