Slap murder charges on bus drivers: commuters

While PMPML officials call it human error and police have filed cases against rash and negligent driving,some commuter organisations are demanding that a murder charge be slapped.

On Sunday,a motorcycle rider and a pedestrian were killed by what police describe as “rash” driving by a PMPML driver,near Katraj chowk on Dattanagar Road. After the mishap,citizens blocked traffic for half an hour. On Monday,another motorcyclist was killed after a PMPML bus trailing him hit the bike.

Since PMPML drivers refuse to see reason and the utility’s officials are unable to rein them in,agitated commuter organisations now want murder charges to be pressed against the drivers. “In today’s meeting,we discussed the issue with PMPML officials. We told them since their drivers care two hoots for innocent lives,don’t be surprised if we file murder complaint against PMPML drivers,” said Jugal Rathi of PMP Pravasi Manch. He said they were promised corrective and deterrent action by PMPML officials,but would wait for “tangible improvement”,otherwise file the murder complaints. Satish Kulkarni,joint managing director,PMPML said they would initiate strong action against erring drivers. “We have repeatedly warned drivers to avoid overspeeding. We have also appointed nearly 50 driving checkers like ticket checkers to keep a tab on overspeeding drivers,” Kulkarni said. Civic activists say both the accidents could have been avoided had the PMPML drivers controlled speed. “And their speed is killing. After two persons died on Sunday,PMPML should have issued serious warning to its drivers. It apparently did not happen. Next day,another speeding driver claimed another innocent life,” says Prashant Inamdar,convenor of Pedestrian First,stressing that a murder charge would surely act as a deterrent to drivers.

Advocate Sushil Mancharkar said activists could file a murder charge since the act of PMPML drivers was intentional and meant to cause hurt. “PMPML drivers not only claim innocent lives,but also put fear of death among others motorists. The way they drive on city’s roads,they are liable for two charges murder (Section 302,IPC) and attempt to murder (Section 307),” Mancharkar said.