DMK MLA moves HC against erection of arches in Coimbatore

A DMK MLA today moved the Madras High Court against erection of hoardings, arches and flex boards on roads for the centenary celebrations of late AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran in Coimbatore, alleging they posed a safety hazard and cited the death of a techie in an accident.
In his public interest litigation petition, N Karthick sought that these structures be declared illegal.
He made the plea while referring to the November 25 death of a software engineer after being run over by a heavy vehicle.
The accident occurred when he fell down from his two-wheeler allegedly after hitting a wooden structure erected for the centenary celebration on a main road.

The MLA, who represents Singanallur constituency in Coimbatore, also prayed for a direction to the government to pay compensation to the family of 32-year old Raghupathy, who was working in the US and had come here on a vacation.
He alleged that Raghupathy met with the accident after hitting a wooden structure erected by the AIADMK for setting up a huge decorative arch on the Avinashi Road in connection with the MGR centenary function to be held on December 3.
Raghupathy fell down and was run over by an unidentified heavy vehicle, resulting in his death on the spot, the petitioner said, adding those who erected the arch should be brought to book.

He claimed that similar incidents were taking place in the state wherein the lives of the public had been taken away in accidents due to the illegal erection of hoardings, banners, arches and flex-boards on public roads.