SRINAGAR: In an interesting turn of events, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have booked the owner of the ill-fated bus, which claimed the lives of 39 passengers and injured seventeen, in Doda last week. The accident occurred on November 15, 2023, when the bus, en route from Kishtwar to Jammu, met with a devastating accident at Trungal Assar.
In response to the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 279/337/304-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered at the Police Station Assar. Reports said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) DAR Doda, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation on a day-to-day basis to determine the cause of the tragic accident, has made the initial findings.
“During the investigation, the Police have booked the owner of this ill-fated bus, namely Dheeraj Gupta, son of Kundan Lal Gupta, resident of Narwal Pain Satwari Jammu, for not properly following the procedures and traffic regulations being the owner of the bus,” a police statement said, according to news gatherer Kashmir Scroll.
Reports said the investigation is still ongoing, with the SIT examining all aspects of the case. The authorities are committed to unraveling the circumstances leading to the accident and holding those responsible accountable for any lapses in adherence to safety procedures and traffic regulations, police sources said.
Interestingly, the bus was driven by a professional driver, Shakeel Ahmad, who also died in the accident. It remains to be seen how the police maintains the case against the bus driver who neither drove the bus nor picked the passengers who were on board.
