Major crackdown against private buses in Kochi following death of young IT professional

According to NDTV reports, following the death of a young IT professional in a private bus accident in Kochi, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has launched a massive crackdown, booking 382 cases against private buses for various traffic and safety violations in just a single day.

This punitive action comes in the wake of the accident involving 29-year-old Akshara, an IT professional hailing from Thrissur who worked at Ernst & Young at Infopark. On November 4, a private bus struck Akshara near the Kuzhikkattumoola junction on the Kakkanad-Edachira road. The accident occurred while she was returning from the gym. She later succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a hospital.

Following the tragedy, bus driver C. K. Binoy was arrested and a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was registered against him. The incident also caught the attention of the Kerala High Court. The Court expressed shock to learn that this driver was already an accused in eight criminal cases. The Court questioned how drivers with such criminal backgrounds are being permitted to run passenger buses.

During the major enforcement operation conducted in Ernakulam, 382 cases were registered by the MVD squad and a fine amount of ₹2,41,344 was collected. This inspection drive was carried out at Aluva, Kakkanad, Kalamassery, Tripunithura, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry.

This intensive inspection primarily focused on the functioning of speed governors and whether private bus staff possessed valid Police Clearance Certificates (PCC). Officials also checked for violations such as unlicensed conductors, buses operating with open doors, and drivers using mobile phones while driving.

The MVD has recommended action against buses employing staff without the necessary police clearance. Buses in which speed governors were found non-functional have been ordered to rectify those defects before resuming services.

Additionally, the Kerala High Court has expressed concern over reckless driving, unsafe pedestrian infrastructure, and impractical timetables of private buses, which can encourage dangerous competition on the roads.