Road Pothole Claims Life of Sarpanch Amarjit Singh; SDM Khanna Issues Show-Cause Notice to NHAI

Khanna, August 8, 2026: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khanna, Swati Tiwana, has issued a show-cause notice to the Project Director, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Project Implementation Unit, Ludhiana, in connection with the death of Amarjit Singh, a resident of village Ratanheri and its Sarpanch, in a fatal road accident on August 6, 2026.
The notice states that, according to preliminary information, the accident occurred due to a large and unrepaired pothole on the carriageway of the national highway. The pothole allegedly caused Amarjit Singh to lose control of his vehicle and fall onto the road, following which he was run over by a truck coming from behind and died on the spot. A police investigation into the matter has already been ordered.
In the notice, the SDM has raised serious questions regarding the accountability of the agencies responsible for maintaining the concerned stretch of the national highway in a safe and motorable condition. She observed that the presence of a dangerous pothole on the road, failure to repair it in time, and the absence of adequate barricading, signage or warning measures could amount to a serious violation of road safety standards.
The NHAI has been directed to submit its response within 24 hours of receiving the notice. It has been asked to explain why action under the law should not be initiated against officials, concessionaires or maintenance contractors found responsible for the death caused by negligence, and why the matter should not be referred to the investigating agency.
In addition, NHAI has been directed to provide the police with details of the officials, engineers and contractor personnel responsible for the supervision and inspection of the concerned stretch. Directions have also been issued to forward a report on the matter to the Regional Officer of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and to take departmental and contractual action, as required.
The SDM has ordered immediate repair of the concerned pothole and a safety audit of the entire national highway stretch falling within Sub-Division Khanna. NHAI has also been asked to produce road inspection logs for the past three months, records relating to the repair of the pothole, and copies of the maintenance/concession agreement.
She made it clear that the safety of road users is the highest priority of the district administration and that any negligence resulting in loss of human life will be treated with utmost seriousness. The notice has been issued without prejudice to the rights of the legal heirs of the deceased and the ongoing police investigation.