BEST bus driver gets 3-month jail for injuring cyclist in 2021

According to the case, the complainant was riding a cycle on January 26, 2021, as part of a cycling group from Borivali to Nariman Point. When she reached Pedder Road near Jaslok Hospital, the BEST bus being driven by Avhad tried to overtake her and hit the handle of the cycle. The handle of the cycle twisted and the cyclist fell down. She sustained injuries on her left elbow, waist and knee. A complaint was filed at Gamdevi police station against Avhad.

The court said that from the evidence it was clear that the BEST driver had not taken reasonable care while overtaking the cyclist, even though there was enough space and no traffic on the road. Avhad had sought leniency stating that he has been a BEST driver for 28 years and it was the first offence in his career.

“In the present matter, injury caused to the victim is simple in nature. However, the accused is a driver of a public transport who is held guilty for driving a bus in a negligent manner. If the driver of the public transport is driving in a negligent manner then it is dangerous because it can pose a serious risk to passengers as well as other road users. Therefore, in such types of cases if unwarranted leniency is shown, it will send the wrong signal in the society,” the court said. Along with three months of simple imprisonment, the court ordered the driver to pay a fine of Rs 500.