Bihar: Accident Involving Madhepura DM’s Car Raises Questions Over Insurance Lapse
Madhepura – The driver of the car belonging to Madhepura DM (District Magistrate) Vijay Prakash Meena caused an accident in Phulparas, Madhubani on Tuesday morning, resulting in the untimely deaths of a mother and her seven-year-old daughter. In addition to the fatalities, two laborers sustained serious injuries. The accident drew a crowd of onlookers, and numerous bags were found in the DM’s car.
Surprisingly, a subsequent online check of the Madhepura DM’s car with the registration number BR43E 0005 revealed that the vehicle’s insurance had lapsed four years ago. The insurance for the Innova vehicle was valid only until December 23, 2019, and no pollution certificate had been obtained after September 24, 2021.
Contrary to initial speculation, it was clarified by Madhepura District Public Relations Officer Kundan Kumar Singh that the DM was not present in the vehicle during the accident. The car had gone for servicing, and the collision occurred upon its return. Singh highlighted that the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) had not installed a board during road construction, and foggy conditions further contributed to the accident.
Madhepura DTO Satyendra Kumar Yadav acknowledged the insurance lapse and stated that proper investigations were underway. He clarified that government vehicles are exempt from insurance requirements under the Motor Vehicle Act. Any compensation or benefits related to such incidents are determined based on the investigation’s findings.
According to legal experts, government vehicles are exempt from insurance obligations. However, the government vehicle’s number must be specified in the accident’s FIR for claims to be processed.
Despite eyewitness accounts suggesting the DM’s presence in the vehicle, the official statement from Madhubani Police maintained that the DM was not in the car during the accident. The statement reported that the DM’s vehicle collided with a divider while attempting to save an NHAI personnel on NH-57 under Phulparas police station.
