This is second major mishap for the driver in seven months
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, SEPT 14
The bus driver, who escaped with minor injuries in an accident at Sancoale on Tuesday, was also involved in a similar accident at Vasco about seven months ago.
It may be recalled that on March 5, 2010, about 27 passengers, including a pregnant woman, were injured when a bus proceeding towards Vasco rammed into a road barricade and plunged into a nullah near the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Despite Vasco Police promising that the driver’s licence and bus permit would be cancelled to ensure that such people are not allowed to take passengers for granted, the promises of Vasco Police remained just that as the bus driver was freely driving his bus.
It is known fact among bus operators that the accused driver is habitually involved in accidents since he is having a fits ailment. However despite that, Assistant Director of Transport (ADT) has not taken any cognizance to ensure safety of the passengers.
About seven months ago when the accident had occurred, Vasco DySP Mahesh Gaonkar had assured that his licence and permit would be cancelled since he was found driving recklessly.
When contacted, DySP Gaonkar was surprised to hear that the bus driver was found driving the bus after the Vasco accident.
Verna Police PI Jivba Dalvi claimed that the bus driver was involved in the accident earlier.
“We will write to the ADT to cancel his licence as well as bus permit, as he is involved in the accident,” said PI Dalvi.
Sources in ADT claimed that since they have to depend on doctor’s medical certificate to check whether the driver is fit to drive or not, they issued him the licence as per the certificate.
