Haryana School Bus Accident: Associates of Drunk Driver Arrested

In a recent development from Haryana, the police have apprehended two individuals linked to a tragic accident involving a school bus that resulted in the death of six children and injuries to around 20 others. The incident, which took place near Unhani village in Kanina, Mahendragarh district, has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances leading up to it. The bus, belonging to G L Public School, overturned around 8.30 am on Thursday, underlining severe lapses in safety protocols.

The investigation has unveiled that the bus driver, identified as Dharmender, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. It was revealed that Dharmender, along with two associates named Nittu alias Harish and Sandeep, had consumed liquor inside the parked bus in Sehlang village before commencing the ill-fated journey. This reckless behavior directly contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Following the incident, Mahendragarh police acted swiftly, arresting Nittu and Sandeep on Saturday under charges framed within the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act. The Superintendent of Police for Mahendragarh, Arsh Verma, coordinated a dedicated team including personnel from the Crime Investigation Agency of Mahendragarh and Police Station City Kanina for this operation.

The initial response to the accident also saw the arrest of three individuals on Thursday itself, including the driver Dharmender and the school principal, Deepti. Another school official, Hoshiar Singh, was also taken into custody. These arrests were part of a comprehensive action plan led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kanina.

Medical examinations conducted post-accident confirmed Dharmender's intoxication at the time of driving. Furthermore, an FIR lodged by a Class 12 student highlighted the driver's disregard for safety, as he ignored pleas from children to slow down and even issued threats. Notably, there was an absence of any helper or female official on the bus during the journey.

In response to this tragic event and its aftermath, G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary of School Education in Haryana, announced that control over the management of G L Public School has been assumed by the Mahendergarh District Municipal Commissioner. This move signifies an immediate administrative response to ensure such negligence does not recur in educational institutions' transportation services.

This incident has cast a spotlight on the critical need for stringent adherence to safety norms and regulations concerning school transportation. It underscores an urgent call for schools and authorities alike to prioritize the well-being and security of students above all else.