Ex-DTC driver convicted in hit-and-run case

New Delhi: A Delhi court has convicted a former DTC bus driver for rash and negligent driving that led to the death of a man in 2021, observing that his actions were “manifestly and indubitably fraught with rashness.”

Judicial Magistrate Twinkle Chawla was hearing the case registered by the Inderpuri police station against the accused Karan Singh under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence).

According to the prosecution, Singh was driving a DTC bus on DPS Marg near the NASC Complex in Inderpuri when he rammed into a two-wheeler from behind.

Amit Singh, who was riding the motorcycle with his brother riding as pillion, fell and was crushed under the rear tyre of the bus. The court underlined that the impact was so immense that the victim suffered a skull fracture and had tyre marks on his chest and neck.

Noting the victim’s brother’s testimony, the court in its order dated August 17 rejected the driver’s defence that his vehicle was not involved in the accident. It cited technical evidence, including the mechanical inspection of the bus, which had revealed “dried blood marks on outer surface of tyre, dried flesh, brain (matter) on inside arch surface of rear outer tyre.” The court also pointed out that the accident occurred during peak morning hours and that the bus was not being driven in its designated lane.