Mumbai: A sessions court held that prima facie, Sanjay More, the driver of the ill-fated BEST bus, was driving the vehicle rapidly and in a rash and negligent manner, endangering the lives of several passengers as well as road users. In a detailed order rejecting his bail plea, the judge refuted his defence that the incident occurred due to poor maintenance, brake failure, or mechanical or technical defect.
“There is no material to prima facie support his contention. On the other hand, the report issued by the RTO office prima facie suggests that there was no mechanical fault in the said bus. In this view of the matter, it is hardly to be believed that there was any mechanical failure in the bus which resulted in the very unfortunate mishap,” said additional sessions judge V M Pathade.
While the bail plea was rejected on Jan 10, the detailed order was made available on Tuesday. The judge’s six-page order emphasised the gravity of the crime, noting the potential for life imprisonment or up to 10 years of incarceration. Given the seriousness of the offence, the short detention period of approximately one month, and the ongoing investigation, the judge deemed it inappropriate to grant the accused bail.
On Dec 9, More allegedly drove the BEST bus into dozens of vehicles and pedestrians, killing nine and injuring 42 in Kurla. More was arrested soon after the incident and booked under the stringent charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The 54-year-old tested negative for alcohol.
Seeking bail for More, his lawyer submitted that he was falsely implicated in this case. With over 20 years of experience as a professional driver, the lawyer submitted that the accident was caused by a sudden and unforeseen mechanical failure, specifically brake failure, and therefore he should not be held responsible. He further alleged that the vehicle was not properly maintained, yet the police have not charged the responsible officials and instead made More a scapegoat. Arrested on Dec 9, 2024, he remains in custody despite cooperating with the investigation. Given his continued detention, his health issues, and his permanent residence in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, the lawyer prayed for bail.
The investigating agency opposed the bail application saying on Dec 9, 2024, at 9:30pm, PSI Prashant Prabhakarrao Chavan, the informant/complainant attached to Kurla police station, was on patrol duty in the Yadavrao vegetable market area. He heard shouts and witnessed people running in panic on SG Barve Marg. He observed a red electric BEST bus travelling at high speed, colliding with vehicles and pedestrians. Several individuals were injured, and numerous vehicles were damaged.
