In a first, case against owner of 'rogue' transport company

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city traffic police on Tuesday registered a case against Abdul Rahim, the owner of private bus MAR Transport which rammed a motorbike at Thampanoor. For the first time in the city, police have charged the bus owner for abetment to crime as the bus was not mechanically fit for service.
Meanwhile, bus driver Pramod Das who was arrested on Monday evening has been charged for culpable homicide not amounting to murder for his reckless driving that caused the accident.The bike rider, Robin Albert of Valiathura, is currently undergoing treatment at the medical college hospital.
Traffic assistant commissioner (South) K S Suresh Kumar said the bus was not fit for service. It had a faulty braking system, which could have been fatal for passengers on board.
"Following the accident, we took the bus to a mechanic, who certified that the brake liners of the vehicle had worn off," Suresh Kumar said.
Pramod told police that Abdul had forced him to take the bus out for service. It was following this that police decided to register a case against Abdul. However, he is yet to be arrested.
Meanwhile, police on Tuesday produced Pramod before court which remanded him in judicial custody. AC Suresh Kumar said similar action would be taken against the owners of all private buses that cause accidents hereafter.