RTO rules out mechanical fault in Dadar BEST bus crash; driver served notice

Police officials said they are now waiting for the findings of the internal inquiry committee set up by BEST following the incident. File Pic

Mumbai Police have served a notice to BEST bus driver Vikas Padare, 42, directing him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the fatal Dadar Plaza bus crash after a preliminary inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) ruled out any mechanical defect in the vehicle.

The notice was issued on Friday as investigators intensified their probe into the circumstances that led to the deadly accident.

According to officials, the RTO's preliminary inspection found no evidence of brake failure or any other mechanical malfunction in the BEST bus involved in the crash.

The findings contradict Padare's earlier statement to police, in which he claimed that the bus brakes had failed and that the vehicle continued moving for nearly five minutes despite his efforts to stop it.

With the possibility of a technical fault now ruled out, investigators are examining the driver's actions in the moments leading up to the accident.

BEST internal inquiry report awaited

Police officials said they are now waiting for the findings of the internal inquiry committee set up by BEST following the incident.

The report is expected to play a key role in determining the next steps in the investigation. Once it is received and reviewed, police are likely to proceed with filing a chargesheet in the case.

Officials described the investigation as being in its final stages, with the BEST inquiry report among the last major documents still pending.

Driver recovering after crash

Padare, who suffered injuries in the June 9 accident, was admitted to Sion Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

Police said he is still recovering from fractures sustained in the crash and has been advised to rest. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, authorities have not arrested him, stating that custodial interrogation is not required at this stage.

Charges against driver

The bus driver has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

- Section 106 - Causing death by negligence

- Section 281 - Rash and negligent driving on a public road

- Sections 125, 125(a) and 125(b) - Endangering life and causing hurt or grievous hurt through a negligent act

He has also been charged under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving.

Police said the driver has been instructed to cooperate fully with investigators as the case moves towards completion.