Protest over manhandling of tipper driver from Punjab

Our Correspondent

Una, May 25

Truck operators from the Punjab area bordering Bathu village near the Tahliwal industrial area of Haroli sub-division today held a protest at Tahliwal Chowk against the alleged manhandling of a tipper driver, who belonged to Punjab.

The protesters sat on the road and blocked traffic. They demanded that those responsible for manhandling the youth should apologise publically.

Haroli SDM Gaurav Chaudhary and DSP Dhan Raj reached the spot ,along with police force, and only after one of the accused apologised in public, the truck operators called off their protest, on the condition that the other three accused persons would also have to tender an apology.

During the last few months, Tahliwal Chowk has been witnessing road accidents, snuffing out precious lives. Heavily loaded trucks, coming from the Dulehar-Garhshankar side, are at a high speed since there is a steep decline as the road approaches the Tahliwal industrial area.

Overloading and overspeeding are the two main reasons for the accidents since the drivers fail to control the vehicles while negotiating the 90-degree turn towards Bathari at Tahliwal Chowk. In the two major accidents that occurred recently, pedestrians too were killed and a number of shops damaged.

It is learnt that last Sunday, local shopkeepers saw an overspeeding tipper approach the chowk. The vehicle was made to stop and after a brawl, the locals allegedly beat up the driver. It is said that during the scuffle, the driver’s turban fell on the ground, which infuriated the truckers. Led by SGPC member Daljit Singh Bhinder, they reached Tahliwal, where the matter was sorted out.