SDPI Blames IRB Company for Unsafe NH-66 Road Work After Bhatkal Fatality
Bhatkal, Aug 26, 2025 (Fikrokhabar News): The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Bhatkal unit, has raised serious concern over what it calls “unscientific and unsafe road work” carried out by the contractor of IRB Company on National Highway 66. The issue came into sharp focus after a tragic road accident claimed the life of a local resident, Mr. Ishwar Manjappa Naik, on August 24 near Shamshuddin Circle in Bhatkal.
According to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage collected from nearby shops, the accident occurred due to the lack of basic safety measures at the work site. Residents have alleged that the contractor failed to provide warnings, barricades, or proper guidance for both pedestrians and motorists, despite the ongoing road construction.
The SDPI, in a memorandum submitted to the Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal Sub-Division through the Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada, held the IRB Company responsible for the negligence. The party has condemned the incident, stressing that “this is not just about one death, but an ongoing risk to public safety if such careless road works continue.”
The memorandum listed several key demands, including:
- Immediate action against the responsible contractor
- A transparent, independent investigation into safety violations
- Strict monitoring of highway construction projects to ensure road safety norms are followed
SDPI leaders urged the authorities, including the Hon’ble Minister of Transport and the Governor of Karnataka, to intervene and prevent further loss of life on NH-66.
Local residents have echoed these concerns, pointing out that poorly managed highway works have been a recurring problem in Bhatkal, causing frequent traffic disruptions and increasing the risk of accidents.
The matter now lies with district authorities, who are expected to review the complaint and decide on further steps.
Source: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Bhatkal Unit memorandum submitted on August 26, 2025
