The accident resulted in the death of two motorcycle borne youth; one died immediately after he was crushed under the bus’ rear wheels.

Many eyewitnesses support the 35-year-old driver’s statement that the deceased lost balance after hitting the road berm and came under the rear wheels.

“The police officers told me that since I was driving the heavy vehicle, I will have to face police action,” Ranjit, who is out on bail, said. “But if that is the case, why are they not taking action against sub-inspector Jaspal Singh Bhullar, who was involved in a similar accident the same day? They say the youths rammed into his car. A similar mishap took place in my case, then why this bias? Just because I am not a police officer?”

Recalling the accident, Ranjit said his bus had just crossed the traffic signal near the Kisan Bhawan Chowk when he heard people shouting and asking him to stop. The bus was scheduled to go to Mansa Devi via Sector 17 and the speed was around 20 km per hour, he added.

“Everybody saw Rupinder (he died on spot) hitting the road berm, losing his balance and slipping under the bus. I was driving carefully and there was nothing I could have done to avert the accident. What is my fault?” he said.

Three eyewitnesses support Ranjit’s view. Also, the police had recovered Rupinder’s mobile earphones from the spot with music on, suggesting the deceased was listening to music while driving.

Rupinder’s friend Babloo, who was riding pillion, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Now, with the tag of ‘accused’, Ranjit says, his career is at stake. Besides, he has to bear the financial and mental burden in fighting the case.

But the CTU Employees Union is supporting him. The union has written to the Director Transport to intervene into the matter.

“The police have cheated him. We are taking up the matter with higher authorities,” the union’s general secretary Rajkumar said. “In accidents, when it’s the fault of our drivers we never raise any hue and cry, but in this case so many eyewitnesses are supporting him.”

However, the police said the accident took place due Ranjit’s ‘negligence’. “The accident occurred because of the driver’s negligence. We booked him after proper investigations. The driver was speeding. There is no bias. The case has its own merits,” Anokh Singh, SHO of Sector-36 police station, said.