TUMAKURU
The police have arrested the driver of an overcrowded private bus who lost control of the wheel near Pavagada in Tumakuru district on Saturday resulting in the death of five passengers.
In his statement, the driver, Raghu, told the police that while negotiating a curve, the steering wheel jammed. The bus, heading to Pavagada from YN Hosakote, toppled, injuring 53 people, according to latest police figures.
Raghu and the conductor, Murali, sustained injuries but fled the scene. “We tracked down Raghu, who was treated and produced before the magistrate. He is in police custody for further investigation. We also found the conductor who is currently in hospital under supervision,” said a police officer.
Investigators are sceptical of Raghu’s statement about the steering wheel malfunction and are waiting for a report from the team of inspectors from the Transport Department.
Passengers said that the driver had repeatedly ignored their requests to slow down. “We are also waiting for the medical report to ascertain whether Raghu was intoxicated while at the wheel,” the police officer added.
Murali, who was hired four months ago, said that despite his warnings people were boarding or clambering onto the bus.
“There was a heavy rush as two buses scheduled to ply the route were cancelled on Saturday. Villagers would have beaten me if we did not stop the bus to pick them up,” said Murali.
The police are yet to arrest the owner of the bus. “We will question the driver and the conductor before taking legal action against the owner,” said the police.
