Udupi DC directs insurance company to complete solatium payment to accident victims

Udupi DC directs insurance company to complete solatium payment to accident victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, February 12, 2025: Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari on Tuesday directed representatives of General Insurance Corporation of India (GICI) to complete payment of solatium to victims of ‘hit-and-run’ accidents reported in Udupi district during 2023 and 2024.

Speaking at a road safety committee meeting at her office, Ms. Vidyakumari said GICI was told to pay solatium to victims in 20 ‘hit-and-run’ accidents during 2023 and 2024 in which the police have filed a ‘C’ report. A ‘C’ report is filed when the police do not have enough evidence to proceed with the investigation. 

The DC said the insurance firm has so far not paid solatium in 13 cases. The official directed the firm to pay solatium as per rules at the earliest.  

Of the 82 cases of fatal accidents in which the police have recommended cancellation of the driving licences of the drivers, action has been taken to cancel licences of 59 persons. She asked the Transport Department to take action in the remaining cases within a week.  

Ms. Vidyakumari said she has noticed 58 instances of commercial buildings not providing parking facility in buildings and forcing customers and shopkeepers to park on the road. She asked the Udupi City Municipal Council to issue notices to owners of such buildings and facilitate parking of vehicles in the buildings. The council and the police should take action to remove pushcarts selling eatables and illegal street vendors, who are causing hinderance to traffic movement around the service bus stand.

While temporary safety arrangements have been made at black spots on roads, permanent arrangements should be made at the earliest. Caution boards should be placed near the schools close to busy roads. Scientifically designed roads humps with well marked zebra crossing should come up in front of these schools, she said.

Superintendent of Police K. Arun and officials from NHAI, PWD, RTO and Municipality participated in the meeting.