SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has asked police to register an FIR against the management and concerned authorities of Future Pack Secondary School, Shadimarg, Pulwama, over alleged violations of mandatory vehicle safety requirements after a school bus carrying 13 students overturned at Darbgam on Wednesday, leaving 11 children injured.
In a communication dated November 12, Joint Transport Commissioner Rizwan Asgar, wrote to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Pulwama, seeking legal action against the school management for allegedly operating the vehicle without fulfilling statutory requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The communication stated that the school bus, bearing registration number JK01M-2712, met with an accident and overturned at Darbgam on Wednesday while carrying 13 students, of whom 11 sustained injuries.
According to the Transport Department, the vehicle had reportedly not been produced before the competent Transport Authority for the mandatory inspection. It also allegedly lacked the required documents and a valid permit for operating as a school bus.
Describing the matter as serious, the department said the alleged non-compliance with prescribed safety standards had exposed the lives of schoolchildren to grave risk.
The Joint Transport Commissioner requested the SSP to direct the Station House Officer concerned to register an FIR against the management and concerned authorities of the school and initiate legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police have also been asked to investigate the matter to establish the responsibility of the school management and other persons concerned.
The communication further sought an Action Taken Report from the police for information and further necessary action.
