District Transport Officer (DTO) M. Venkanna was killed after a coal-laden tipper lorry hit him near the Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Chelpur in Ghangapur (Mulugu) mandal on the Parkal-Bhupalpally highway in the district on Monday (June 22).

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Sirisetti Sankeerth, the tipper lorry (TS22T2687) rammed into Mr. Venkanna as he had stepped out of his official vehicle (TS03FG3339) and was regulating traffic to facilitate the entry of a seized harvester into the RTO premises. The coal-laden lorry was proceeding towards the TGGENCO plant when it hit the officer. Preliminary investigation indicated that the vehicle was being driven at high speed and in a rash manner.

Following the incident, Mr. Venkanna sustained grievous injuries and died on the spot. His body was shifted to the district hospital for postmortem. The lorry involved in the accident was seized and the driver, Mohammed Taslim, was taken into custody.

The police officials are examining all possible angles, including whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.

The SP further said that a detailed probe is being conducted and stringent legal action would be initiated against those found responsible. Mr. Venkanna was transferred to Bhupalpally from Jagtial only about two weeks ago. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the death of the DTO and assured that the government will support his family in all means. Following this, the Transport, Roads and Buildings Department issued a GO to appointing Joint Transport Commissioner M. Chandra Shekar Goud as the investigation officer.

According to the GO, the Inquiry Officer (IO) has been asked to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident and submit a detailed report to the government through the Transport Commissioner at the earliest. The IO has also been directed to recommend measures to enhance the safety of field officers and staff engaged in enforcement duties on public roads, besides suggesting changes, if required, to enforcement protocols, safety equipment and standard operating procedures for vehicle interception and seizure operations.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar too expressed shock over the incident and said an inquiry had been ordered into the accident. In a statement, the Minister said that Mr. Venkanna died while discharging his official duties and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.