Probable Unauthorized Alterations Linked to Repeated Vehicle Fires; Expert Panel to Investigate

An expert panel will investigate the recurrent instances of vehicle fires in Kerala, which have raised concerns among motorists, particularly car owners. These fires have resulted in injuries and fatalities, prompting the formation of a technical committee to examine the sudden ignition of vehicles while in motion or stationary.

Led by the road safety commissioner, the committee includes Dr. S P Sunil, former joint director of the forensic department, technical expert K J Ramesh, professors Manoj Kumar and Kamal Krishna, the inspector general of police (traffic), and an additional transport commissioner.

The committee has been tasked with delivering a report within two months. Preliminary discussions involving officials and representatives from vehicle manufacturers have indicated that a significant portion of these fires stem from issues within the electrical circuitry. Unauthorized modifications to vehicles, often utilizing low-quality components and wiring, have been identified as a primary cause for these fire incidents.

Transport Minister Antony Raju has asserted that workshops responsible for these unauthorized alterations will be held accountable, and appropriate action will be taken against them. These decisions emerged from a meeting involving Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar, Transport Commissioner S Sreejith, Additional Transport Commissioner Pramod Shankar, representatives from prominent vehicle manufacturers and distributors, as well as technical experts.