Pune: A Shivshahi bus driver was arrested by Wanawadi police for driving under the influence of alcohol and colliding with a car, endangering the lives of passengers and other motorists. The incident was reported by the bus conductor himself.
The driver has been identified as Mahesh Shivaji Pund (32 years old, resident of Mahalaxmi Hivreta, Newasa). The complaint was filed by Ram Madhukar Chite (35 years old, resident of Pimpalgaon Hare, Taluka Pachora, District Jalgaon) with the Wanawadi police.
According to the police, the complainant works as a conductor at the Pimpri Chinchwad ST Depot. On August 21, he left for Hyderabad at 8:30 AM with a Shivshahi bus due to a malfunction in the regular ST bus.
Mahesh Shivaji Pund was driving, accompanied by trainee conductor Kushal Kakanate. There were 13 passengers on board. At Golibar Maidan, the bus stopped at a signal.
When the signal turned green, Pund suddenly swerved the bus to the left, causing it to hit a nearby car. The car's right door was damaged as a result.
A heated argument ensued between the car driver and Pund, during which it became apparent that Pund was intoxicated. The police took him to Sassoon Hospital for testing, which confirmed that he had consumed alcohol.
A case was registered against Pund for driving under the influence, endangering the lives of passengers and other road users, and violating traffic rules. He was subsequently arrested. The Wanawadi police are conducting the investigation.
