A Mumbai sessions court has once again denied bail to Sanjay More, the driver involved in the tragic Kurla BEST bus crash that occurred on December 9, 2024. The accident resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to over 40 others. This marks the second time More’s bail application has been rejected, with the court emphasizing the severity of the offense and noting no significant change in circumstances since the previous denial .
The incident took place when an electric bus operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking lost control on SG Barve Marg in Kurla West, colliding with multiple vehicles and pedestrians. More was arrested under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 110, which pertains to attempts to commit culpable homicide .
In his defense, More claimed that the accident was due to a mechanical failure and highlighted that he had received only three days of training to operate the electric bus, despite a mandatory requirement of 15 days. However, the prosecution countered these claims by stating that investigations found no mechanical faults in the bus and that More had already driven electric buses for 728 kilometers, suggesting adequate experience .
The court, after considering arguments from both sides, concluded that the offense was of a serious nature, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, and thus did not find it appropriate to grant bail at this stage. The defense has indicated plans to appeal the decision in the High Court .
Sources