The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has sought a report from the Punjab Government by February 20 after five tourists from Gujarat, including a woman constable, were killed after their SUV rammed into a divider on the Bathinda-Dabwali national highway near Gurthari village amid dense fog on January 17.The panel has also directed the government to take steps to prevent similar accidents in future. A letter to this effect has been sent to the Chief Secretary.In response, Bathinda DC Rajesh Dhiman has constituted a four-member committee headed by the Regional Transport Officer. On the day of the accident, residents of nearby villages had protested against the private firm constructing the highway, alleging that incomplete work on flyover contributed to the crash.Bathinda DSP (Traffic) Manjit Singh said 17 accident-prone black spots had been identified in the district.


