Lucknow – In a tragic development in the Burning Bus incident that claimed five lives, including two children, on May 15 along Lucknow’s Outer Ring Road (Kisan Path), police have arrested the absconding bus conductor Mahesh Singh. The arrest follows a complaint lodged by Ram Balak Mahto, the grieving father who lost both his children in the fire.
The Incident
On the night of May 15, an AC bus suddenly caught fire near the Kisan Path, engulfing it in flames within minutes. Over 80 passengers were reportedly on board, although the bus had approval for only 80 seats. Five people, including two minors, perished in the blaze. Eyewitnesses alleged that both the driver and conductor fled the scene, abandoning passengers as they screamed for help.
Arrests and Ongoing Probe
The bus driver, Shankar Yadav, who had been on the run since the accident, was arrested earlier this week. A day later, police apprehended conductor Mahesh Singh near the Harikanshgadhi crossing in Lucknow. However, the bus owner remains absconding, and police have intensified their manhunt using both surveillance technology and local intelligence networks.
Legal Action
Based on Mahto’s complaint, an FIR was filed at the Mohanlalganj Police Station against the driver, conductor, and the owner of the ill-fated bus. Charges include criminal negligence leading to death and endangering public safety.
Committee Formed, Fitness Checks Under Scrutiny
Transport Commissioner officials confirmed that a special investigative committee from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Authority has been formed. The committee will review vehicle fitness and movement data from the past one year via the “Anywhere Fitness” portal. Investigators are probing whether the bus was operating during its scheduled fitness checks and if any falsified data was submitted.
Disturbing Findings
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the bus had 66 challans issued against it and lacked several mandatory fitness certifications. Moreover, there was no proper seating arrangement for the 80 passengers, as per official norms.
What’s Next?
Police officials stated that the bus owner will be apprehended soon, and legal proceedings will continue against all parties responsible for the fatal lapse in safety. The Transport Department has pledged to take strict action against unfit vehicles operating on public routes.
This tragedy has raised serious questions about the enforcement of transport safety norms and the accountability of private bus operators in Uttar Pradesh.
