Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (JD)
Kundapur, Sep 10: Ten years after a horrific road accident near Movadi Cross on the Kundapur-Baindur National Highway 66, in which a private bus collided with a Maruti Omni carrying Don Bosco School students, killing eight children, a Kundapur court has pronounced its verdict.
The Kundapur Third Additional ACJ and JMFC Court sentenced the accused bus driver to one year and 17 days of simple imprisonment. Judge Manikantha M S, who heard the case, pronounced the sentence against accused bus driver Manjunath Thrasi under Sections 279, 337, 338 and 305(a). In addition to the jail term, he was also fined Rs 12,500.
It may be recalled, on June 21, 2016, at around 9.25 am, the Omni carrying schoolchildren was being driven by Martin Sebastian from the Hemmady side. When he was turning towards the school road near Movadi Cross, accused Manjunath (42) was driving a bus from the Thrasi side towards Kundapur at high speed and in a negligent manner. The bus collided with the Omni, resulting in the deaths of schoolchildren Ananya D'Silva, Nikhitha D'Silva, Royston Lobo, Clarissa, Ancita Oleveira, Alvita Oleveira, Delvin Dias and Calista, who sustained critical injuries. Several other children were also seriously injured in the accident.
A case was registered at Gangolli police station. Then Baindur circle inspector Sudarshan and later CPI Raghav S Padil conducted a detailed investigation and submitted the chargesheet before the court.
Assistant public prosecutor Uma Damodar Naik argued the case on behalf of the government.
Manjunath (42), who was working as a private bus driver, obtained bail and was released a few days after the accident. Following the accident, he is said to have quit his profession as a driver, returned to his native Hubballi and taken up agricultural work.
Following the pronouncement of the verdict, 30 days' time has been granted to file an appeal before the District Sessions Court. If no appeal is filed within the stipulated period, an arrest warrant will reportedly be issued.