Drunk on Duty: Mumbai Bus Crew Endanger 50 Children on School Trip

Mumbai, Maharashtra:  In a shocking incident in Mumbai's western suburbs, the driver and conductor of a private bus ferrying 50 children for a school trip were arrested for being under the influence of alcohol. The bus, hired by a Saki Naka-based school, was en route to Gorai when traffic police conducting a surprise check in Andheri noticed the vehicle being driven dangerously. Upon stopping the bus, both the driver, Arvind Gautam, and the conductor, Dipanshu Ashish, were found to be intoxicated. Confirmatory tests revealed their blood alcohol levels were 106 mg per 100 ml, exceeding the permissible limit of 30 mg.

This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws, especially when transporting children. Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a punishable offense. For a first-time offense, the penalty includes a fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Subsequent offenses can lead to a fine of ₹15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

The arrest of the bus crew highlights the need for stringent enforcement of traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers, particularly children. Authorities are urged to conduct regular checks and impose strict penalties to deter such reckless behavior.

In conclusion, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the severe consequences it can have, especially when the lives of children are at stake. It is imperative for all drivers to remain vigilant and sober to prevent such incidents in the future.