Two FIRs registered against National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials for alleged faulty construction of concrete sidewall along NH-33 in Chutupalu Valley near Ramgarh, Ranchi district.

Complaints filed at Ramgarh police station by Jaywanti Tirkey (resident of Angara) and Firoz Ansari, both who lost spouses in separate accidents on the stretch.

Tirkey's husband, a railway employee, travelling from Ranchi to Ramgarh on motorcycle on Sept 4, hit by speeding trailer from behind; could not move off road due to sidewall; died on spot.

Ansari's wife Sara Tabsum killed on Sept 6 when speeding truck hit their car; five family members injured; alleged sidewall left no space to steer vehicle to safety.

The nearly 4km-long wall leaves no emergency space for vehicles to pull over. Residents have long demanded gaps and emergency spaces on accident-prone stretch.

NHAI project director Vijay Kumar said new highway alignment through Chutupalu Valley being planned; proposed realignment expected to offer long-term solution to congestion and road safety problems. Overspeeding by heavy vehicles cited as major cause of accidents.