The temporary driver hired by the TSRTC was accosted by people in the area soon after the accident.
A 35-year-old woman was killed on Tuesday in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, after the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus mowed her down. The woman was identified as Sohini Saxena, working with Tata Consultancy Services.
Authorities are investigating whether the accident was caused due to brake failure or the driver's negligence.
The incident took place at around 12.55 pm at Banjara Hills Road Number 12, police said. The bus from Barkatpura depot (Bus No 127 K) was traveling between Kondapur and Koti.
CCTV footage of the accident shows the bus crashing into Sohini without slowing down. The victim was riding a two-wheeler.
Following the accident, people in the area accosted the temporary driver hired by the TSRTC, identified as Sridhar. The agitated mob also vandalised the bus by pelting stones and damaging its windshield and windows. The accident sparked tension in the area, and created a huge traffic jam.
The TSRTC hired temporary conductors and drivers after TSRTC workers went on strike demanding the merger of the corporation with the government.
Sridhar was later taken into custody by the police. Police have filed a case under section 304 A (causing death by negligence) IPC against him.
Speaking to TNM, Banjara Hills Inspector, N Kalinga Rao said, “We have taken the driver under custody. He did not suffer any major injuries. After examination of the bus by the Regional Transport Authorities, we will know if the accident was caused due to brake failure or the negligence of the driver.”
The protesting TSRTC employees had earlier said that several buses hired and owned by TSRTC were in need of repairs. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar himself said that 2,600 buses had to be replaced because they had travelled more than 10 lakh kilometers. To replace these buses, the TSRTC requires Rs 800-Rs 1000 crore, which the cash-strapped TSRTC doesn’t have.
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