The devastating bus accident in Mumbai, which resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives and injuries to 42 others, has triggered an intensive investigation into the role and actions of the driver, Sanjay More, as well as the underlying factors that contributed to the catastrophe. The police, in a report presented to a local court on Tuesday, raised concerns about the possibility of deliberate intent, asserting that they needed to examine whether More had weaponized the bus to cause harm. This assertion has expanded the scope of the inquiry, moving beyond negligence to probe potential culpability for a deliberate act of endangering public safety.
The incident occurred on Monday evening around 9:30 pm in Kurla, a densely populated and high-traffic area in Mumbai. The bus, operated by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), reportedly careened through the crowded streets, striking multiple vehicles and pedestrians before coming to a halt. The chaotic scene left behind a trail of destruction, with shocked bystanders and emergency services scrambling to rescue and provide aid to the injured. More, the 54-year-old driver, was detained at the site and later arrested by the police. He now faces charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The police petitioned the court for custody of More, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain whether the accident was the result of reckless behavior, negligence, or a premeditated act. They cited the importance of examining the driver’s training, his mental and physical condition at the time of the incident, and any external influences, such as substance abuse or involvement in a larger conspiracy. The court granted the request, remanding More to police custody until December 21 to allow for an in-depth probe.
Key aspects of the investigation include assessing More’s state of mind and his past conduct as a driver, alongside conducting a technical evaluation of the bus to determine whether mechanical failures or maintenance lapses played a role. Police officials have also expressed concerns about the vehicle’s condition, highlighting that the transport department has yet to conduct a detailed technical assessment. This evaluation will be crucial in establishing whether the bus suffered from brake failure, engine malfunctions, or any other defects that might have contributed to the crash.
More’s defense lawyer, Samadhan Sulane, countered the police’s claims by attributing the incident to a potential technical fault in the bus. He argued that the administration holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of public transport vehicles before they are deployed. Sulane further emphasized that More was a seasoned professional with a clean track record, regularly driving without any prior incidents of negligence or reckless behavior. He also disputed the notion of deliberate intent, suggesting that the police’s claims might be speculative without concrete evidence.
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on critical issues surrounding urban transport safety, including the maintenance of public transport vehicles, the adequacy of driver training programs, and the effectiveness of safety regulations. It has also sparked public debate about the accountability of transport authorities and the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Families of the victims, as well as the injured survivors, are demanding answers and justice, calling on authorities to expedite the investigation and implement measures to ensure public safety.
In response to public outcry, BEST officials have pledged full cooperation with the ongoing inquiry, while local authorities have promised a transparent investigation to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, civic groups and activists have urged the government to strengthen oversight of public transport systems, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance checks, improved driver evaluation processes, and enhanced safety protocols to protect commuters and pedestrians alike.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the precise chain of events that led to the disaster, holding accountable those responsible, and ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur. For the affected families and the city at large, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and accountability in urban transport management.
