TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Driver of the ill-fated bus that plunged into the Mandovi river at Carona ferry wharf, killing six people at Aldona, was brother of a police constable, and this helped him to get leniency in the case, sources stated.

Rajesh Naik, who is also son of the bus owner, has his brother Mahesh working as a driver with the Motor Transport Section in the police department. Sources stated that there was pressure to be lenient with the driver, who had escaped from the scene leaving the bus to roll down into the water.

style="text-align:justify">The investigations, it is learnt, would check whether Mahesh tried to help his brother using influence in the police department.

Sources stated that there was pressure from the higher ups. After the tragedy, Rajesh was advised to surrender before the police to avoid criminal action on his family. Being brother of a constable there was reason to worry for Rajesh.

Sources further said even during the vehicle inspection by the RTO officials, there were various attempts to reduce the seriousness of the case.

The officials however prevented any intrusion in their right to investigate. The ill fated bus was prone to break downs. Sources stated that it had serious break downs three times in the past before it finally plunged into the river water with the passengers.

Sources said that on the fateful day, the bus had broken down at Mapusa but temporary repairs were made least suspecting that it could prove fatal. Police are however tight-lipped over the inquiry.