Following a disturbing incident where school students were instructed to push a broken-down Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus on the Nuvem-Manora route, the driver, Rajesh Pagi, has been issued a memo for misconduct.
A preliminary inquiry revealed serious negligence and misconduct, which put students’ lives at risk.
The incident occurred around 2.10 pm on Tuesday when the bus, bearing registration number GA-03 X 0276, was transporting students home from a prominent school in Salcete.
Eyewitnesses, including a O Heraldo reporter, stated that the bus suddenly stopped mid-route. The driver allegedly instructed 10 to 15 students, mostly schoolboys in uniform, to exit the bus and push the vehicle to restart it, with no adult assistance present.
Following media reports and public outrage, KTC Chairman and MLA Ulhas Tuenkar immediately launched an inquiry. The investigation revealed that the bus was in good working condition and had no mechanical issues.
According to Tuenkar, the driver deliberately stopped the bus out of anger, protesting his assignment to the Nuvem-Manora route, a duty he was reportedly unhappy with.
“The driver, Rajesh Pagi, was angry over being deployed on this route. As a form of revenge, he stopped the bus at Manora and falsely claimed it had broken down,”
Tuenkar stated. “Before the mechanic even reached the spot, the driver restarted the bus and continued the journey with the students”"
While some reports suggest the students voluntarily assisted the driver, Tuenkar acknowledged that involving children in pushing a heavy vehicle was irresponsible and unacceptable.
“Regardless of whether the students volunteered or not, the driver failed in his duty and put their safety at risk. Disciplinary action will be taken against him for misconduct and endangering young lives,” Tuenkar affirmed.
The incident has raised concerns about student safety and accountability within the public transport system.
Authorities have pledged to enhance monitoring and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.