Mumbai, June 24: In a shocking incident in Mumbai, a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus driver was allegedly attacked by three men for not stopping the bus at a designated stop in Bandra East. The victim was assaulted by the trio for not stopping the packed AC bus at a bus stop. The alleged incident occurred on Friday evening, June 21, in Bandra.

The victim has been identified as Balwant Khanvilkar (52). According to a report in the Times of India, three commuters reportedly chased the crowded AC bus and assaulted Khanvilkar. One of the accused, identified as Goraksh Sonawane (30), a resident of Nerul, claimed that the driver did not halt the BEST bus at the stop. BEST Bus Runs over and Kills Man Sleeping on Footpath, Driver Held.

In his defence, Khanvilkar said that he drove the bus which was packed as the conductor signalled to go ahead. He also said that he did not see that commuters were running behind the bus. One of three commuters who was arrested told cops that he lost his temper because the bus did not halt at the stop.

Pandurang Mulick, senior inspector of Kherwadi police station, said that the three accused first chased the bus and then pounded on the door, demanding it be opened. When the trio realised their efforts were ignored, they broke the windshield wiper and shattered the glass on the driver's side with it. They also tried to pull the driver out, Mulick said. Mumbai: BEST Bus Conductor Saves Life of Elderly Passenger by Performing Timely CPR, Gets Departmental Praise (Watch Video).

The driver said that the trio hit him on the head, nose and back and even abused him, saying, "BEST people cause trouble to the public." Meanwhile, Sunil Vaidya, spokesperson of BEST, requested people not to assault bus drivers who are public servants. On the other hand, a former BEST committee member blamed the "unruly drivers" for their errant behaviours.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2024 12:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).