JTC appointed to inquire into DTO's death

Sources familiar with the inquiry indicate that the findings are likely to reinforce what transport department officials and eyewitnesses have maintained from the very beginning : that the incident was a tragic and highly unusual accident

mahesh avadhutha | Bhupalpally 

The tragic death of Jayashankar Bhupalpally District Transport Officer (DTO) M. Venkanna, who was run over by a speeding lorry while on duty, continues to evoke grief across the government employees' fraternity, even as an official inquiry into the incident is nearing completion.

The shocking incident triggered widespread concern and speculation, prompting BRS leader T. Harish Rao to demand a thorough investigation. Raising questions over whether the death was a mere accident or a planned murder, he sought a comprehensive probe into a possible sand and coal mafia angle.

Responding to the concerns, the government appointed Joint Transport Commissioner M. Chandrashekar Goud as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the circumstances leading to Venkanna's death. The inquiry is also expected to recommend measures to improve field safety and strengthen enforcement protocols for transport department personnel.

However, sources familiar with the inquiry indicate that the findings are likely to reinforce what transport department officials and eyewitnesses have maintained from the very beginning: that the incident was a tragic and highly unusual accident.

According to transport department staff present at the scene, Venkanna was standing beside his official vehicle along with enforcement personnel when a seized harvester vehicle was being guided into the Bhupalpally DTO office premises located adjacent to the road. As staff members were directing the harvester driver, a coal laden tipper lorry that was coming from opposite direction

In an apparent attempt to avoid colliding with the harvester, the lorry driver reportedly swerved sidewards. The lorry driver in the nick of the moment tried to negotiate forward in the small gap between the Harvestor and the DTO who was standing beside his vehicle on the road. However, he avoided hitting the Harvestor but the DTO came under the wheels of the tipper killing him instantly.

Senior officials of the transport department, who rushed to the spot soon after the incident, reportedly concluded that there was no immediate indication of foul play. Officials say that despite decades of roadside enforcement operations across highways and major roads, they have never witnessed a mishap of this nature.

With the inquiry report expected to be submitted shortly, attention has also turned to the welfare of Venkanna's family. It is learnt that transport department officials have appealed to the government to provide suitable employment to his wife, a postgraduate, on compassionate grounds.