Mumbai Lawyer Saves BEST Driver from an angry mob after a tragic accident in Kurla claimed seven lives and left 42 injured. Siddique Ashif Hussain, a 30-year-old resident of the area, intervened heroically to protect driver Sanjay More from the wrath of an enraged crowd, earning praise and criticism in equal measure.
Lawyer’s Swift Action Saves Lives
The incident occurred on Monday night when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) electric bus went out of control, ramming into pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla (West). The tragedy caused widespread anger among local residents. Amid the chaos, Siddique Hussain stepped in to assist injured police officers trapped in a damaged vehicle and rescue individuals stuck under the police SUV.
Returning to the scene, Hussain saw a mob attacking the bus driver, Sanjay More. “I intervened, pleading with people to stop hitting the driver. I took a few blows in the process, but with the help of the police, we managed to get the driver to safety,” Hussain said.
Bus Conductor Escapes Fury
The bus conductor, fearing for his life, sought refuge in a nearby dentist’s clinic. Hussain provided him with a change of clothes and escorted him on a motorbike to the Kurla police station, ensuring his safety.
A senior police official acknowledged the role of local residents and Hussain in preventing further violence. “The mob was furious. Without timely intervention, the driver and conductor would not have been spared,” the official said.
Hussain Responds To Criticism
Hussain’s actions drew criticism from some Kurla residents who were angered by the tragedy. Addressing the backlash on social media, Hussain wrote:
“Yesterday, I made a difficult decision in an attempt to save the life of a bus driver. Violence would only bring more harm and no real resolution. As much as I understand the raw emotions, I believe that an eye for an eye only leaves the world in darkness.”
Hussain expressed sympathy for the victims, stating, “My heart aches for the families who have lost their loved ones, but I have no regrets about my actions.”
Police Investigate Driver’s Role
The driver, Sanjay More, was arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Initial investigations revealed that More lacked sufficient experience driving electric buses, having undergone only 10 days of training.
The police sought court permission to probe whether More deliberately used the vehicle as a weapon or if it was a case of human error.
Kurla Tragedy: A Night Of Horror
The accident unfolded around 9:30 pm on SG Barve Road in Kurla, leaving a trail of destruction. Seven people lost their lives, and 42 others sustained injuries. The crowded streets of Kurla turned into a scene of chaos as the BEST electric bus rammed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians.
Witnesses recounted the horror, with some describing the sound of the crash as deafening. Local residents quickly gathered at the scene, some to offer help and others to vent their anger.
Calls For Stricter Training And Oversight
The tragedy has sparked a debate on the training protocols for electric vehicle drivers and the accountability of civic agencies like BEST. Critics argue that 10 days of training is insufficient for operating electric buses, which have distinct handling requirements compared to traditional vehicles.
Advocates are calling for stricter oversight, including longer training periods and periodic assessments for drivers handling public transportation vehicles.
A Heroic Intervention Amid Grief
Hussain’s bravery in saving the driver and bus conductor highlights the importance of upholding humanity in moments of crisis. While the tragedy has left families grieving, Hussain’s intervention prevented further loss of life amidst the mob’s fury.
As investigations into the Kurla crash continue, the focus remains on delivering justice to the victims and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future. Hussain’s actions stand as a reminder of the need for compassion, even in the face of unimaginable grief and anger.