10 accidents in 6 months, 4 dead on NH-72A: Police file FIR against NHAI, PWD

Dehradun Police have filed an FIR against NHAI and PWD after four people died in a crash on NH-72A. The stretch has witnessed more than 10 accidents in six months, with the complaint citing sharp curves, steep slopes, potholes and inadequate road safety infrastructure.Image used for representationDehradun,Nov 5, 2026 18:56 ISTDehradun Police have registered an FIR against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Public Works Department (PWD) after four people died in a road accident on the Asharodi-Mohabbewala stretch.Officials said more than 10 accidents had occurred on the stretch in the past six months, reported PTI. The police complaint alleges that the agencies responsible for the newly constructed NH-72A, connecting Delhi, Dehradun and Paonta, failed to ensure safe traffic movement and that the unsafe construction posed a continuous threat to people's lives.According to the complaint, a sudden sharp curve and a steep slope at Mohabbewala confuse drivers, leading to frequent accidents that have caused several deaths and injuries."There is a lack of essential safety infrastructure, including signboards, traffic signs, reflectors, warning signals, and adequate nighttime lighting. The road is not clearly marked. Furthermore, the presence of potholes along the roadside is consistently leading to accidents," the FIR, a copy of which is with PTI, stated. Police officials told PTI that the alleged negligence of the agencies had led to widespread public resentment. They said the agencies had been contacted and formally asked several times to take steps to prevent accidents, but had failed to take concrete action."The unsafe construction work poses a continuous threat to the lives of the public," Ankit Kandari, Circle Officer of Sadar police station, said. Officials added that the actions of the agencies violated Sections 125(a) and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and a case had been filed under the relevant provisions. On Wednesday afternoon, a car collided with a container truck at Mohabbewala Chowk and became trapped under it. Five people, including a six-year-old boy and two women, were trapped in the car. Police rescued the boy safely, but the other four occupants died. The fatal crash prompted the FIR against NHAI and PWD amid concerns over repeated accidents and inadequate safety measures on the stretch.- Ends