Mangaluru: The death of Muhammed Zakaria (23) near Talapady check post due an accident, created a rage among residents which led to a flash protest backed by Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike activists in front of the commercial tax office, holding official apathy responsible for causing a number of accidents there.

Reportedly Zakaria, a resident of Talapady was travelling along with his friend Shiyab (22), who hails from Talapady K C Nagar. Their bike collided with a truck near Kotekar Beeri on National Highway 66. While Zakaria died instantly Shiyab suffered injuries and is being treated in a hospital.

The accident occurred late night on Tuesday September 8, however on Wednesday, the Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike protesters along with the locals claimed that a large number of truck drivers park their vehicles on the highway and visit the check post for verification of documents, thus causing undue problems for vehicles moving on the highway, and resulting in accidents.

They noted that even after several protests were held in the past for the same reason, no steps had been taken by the officials to improve the situation.

Yogeesh Shetty Jeppu, president of the central committee of the Vedike, held the commercial tax department squarely responsible for the deaths and injuries caused in accidents at this spot.

Talapady village president of the central committee of the Vedike, Hasinar K C Road, Someshwara unit president, Ahmed Peribail, Kotekar unit president, Ravi Shetty, Hameed Hassan Madoor, and others were present.

The officials of the commercial tax department visited the protesters, held discussions with Ullal police and leaders of the Vedike. They promised to take adequate safety measures on the highway

A case with regard to the accident has been registered in Ullal police station.