Drunk on duty, school bus driver arrested in Barnala
Police and locals say the bus driver was recklessly driving his vehicle with school children aboard
BARNALA: A 52-year-old school bus driver, Dalbara Singh of Bhaini Mehraj village near Badbar, was arrested for ferrying school children, while being drunk, in Barnala town on Thursday.
Regional Transport Authority (RTA) secretary Karanbir Singh Chhina said the private school had also been asked for an explanation.
Police and locals claim that the bus driver was recklessly driving his vehicle, with school children aboard.
Sensing a big accident, locals intercepted the bus near Hadiaya village on the Chandigarh-Bathinda national highway. A crowd gathered and a video was made of the driver, which has gone viral on social media. The police and the RTA has been informed.
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY HAS ALSO SOUGHT AN EXPLANATION FROM THE PRIVATE SCHOOL CONCERNED
“Singh was ferrying school kids from the adjoining villages of Barnala town. He was drunk. The police arrested the accused as the matter came to knowledge,” said Buta Singh, investigation officer.
A case has been registered under Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) of the IPC at Barnala City police station-2.
RTA secretary Karanbir Singh Chhina said the school bus was impounded and child protection department officials were informed. “The private school concerned will be sent a notice, and we will seek explanation from school authorities. Checking of school buses will continue,” added Chinna.