Slap murder charges on bus drivers who race, kill people: Mamata
Times of India | 13 November 2024
123 Kolkata: Bus drivers racing against each other, which lead to the death of people on the road, will be charged with murder, CM Mamata Banerjee indicated on Tuesday.
Expressing "serious concern, anxiety and deep sadness" over the death of a student in the Salt Lake accident, Banerjee directed the state administration to start slapping murder charges in all accidental deaths where buses are found to be racing.
The CM reportedly told her colleagues that she was deeply saddened by the series of road accidents where buses are found racing. According to sources, she clearly stated to a minister that the value of human life comes first. "She has instructed everyone to take strict measures to curb racing and reckless speeding on the road," said former Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh.
Ghosh stated that the CM made it clear that if two drivers decide to race or one decides to overtake, it is impossible for the police to stop that bus. "The state will be forced to impose murder-related charges if there are fatal accidents when drivers indulge in racing," added Ghosh.
Following the CM's instruction, transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty called a meeting of all stakeholders on Nov 14. Along with him, mayor and urban development minister Firhad Hakim (also the former transport minister) will be present at the meeting. DGP Rajeev Kumar, Kolkata Police CP Manoj Verma, Bidhannagar CP Mukesh and police superintendents from various districts will attend the meeting. Additionally, key stakeholders like representatives from private bus organisations, auto and truck unions and various govt transport agencies will be present.
"From now on, if someone falls victim to reckless racing or speed, the driver will be charged with murder," said Chakraborty.