Kurla bus accident: Court frames charges against bus driver, includes section where life imprisonment is maximum term

He will face charges under BNS sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to culpable homicide), 118 (1), (2), (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), which has the maximum punishment of life, 324(5) (mischief), 125 (A) (B) (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 319 (2) (cheating by impersonation), and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicle Act.

On December 9, 2024, More, who was driving an electric BEST bus, allegedly lost control of it on a congested road near Kurla (West) station, and crashed into vehicles and pedestrians. More, who had more than three years of experience as a driver, was hired on contract to drive an electric bus, taken on a wet lease by BEST.

In September, the court discharged two officials of two private companies, who were booked along with More by the Mumbai police, which held them responsible for alleged negligence in the appointment and training of drivers for electric buses. The court, while discharging them from the case, had said that there was no such proof.

They had submitted that the drivers were given to the BEST in compliance with the agreement, and training was also provided for the one week that was agreed upon. It was also submitted that More had been in service since November 21, 2024, and had operated electric buses for 728 km before the accident, hence it cannot be said that he lacked training.

In a previous bail plea, More stated that a mechanical failure or technical fault led to the accident, alleging irregularities in a report by the Regional Transport Office that claimed there were no issues with the bus.