Kolkata: The police pilot car for Trinamool MLA Shawkat Molla's convoy that had hit a biker on Tuesday, leading to his death, did not have a registration and failed its insurance.
Broad Street resident Mohammad Tajuddin was riding his bike, when the pilot vehicle of the Canning East MLA hit the two-wheeler at Bamunghata near Kolkata Leather Complex.
Tajuddin was taken to SSKM Hospital, where he died.
During an investigation, police and transport department officials found that the public vehicles department had cancelled the vehicle's registration as it was 16 years old and like many other govt vehicles, it failed insurance. Police are investigating if any mechanical failure, other than malfunctioning of the axle or brake, was responsible for the accident.
Lalbazar has asked for a detailed report from both KLC PS and the Fatal Squad of traffic police.
A senior officer said details of other pilot cars were also sought.
The driver of the pilot car, Pradeep Haldar, a contractual employee, will be questioned and, if required, arrested. Haldar is currently in hospital with injuries.
Tajuddin's family has raised questions on how could such a vehicle, without a registration, be used.
They expressed anger at Molla, accusing him of not even calling them up. "Tell him (Molla) to bring my husband back, my child will wait for his father," said Tajuddin's widow. "My husband rode carefully and never without a helmet." His sister-in-law added, "What was so urgent that the MLA had to rush like that? We won't let this go.
He should have come to us. Who will take the kids' responsibility?"
Molla, who was saved, thanks to his driver's quick reflexes, expressed his condolences. "The accident happened as the car broke down," he said. "I will meet Kolkata Police CP and request him to send us fitter and better cars."