ONGOLE: Markapuram police on Wednesday arrested two drivers in connection with the ‘Markapuram bus accident’ in which 14 passengers were burnt alive and 28 others injured near Rayavaram in the early hours of March 26.
Markapuram DSP U Nagaraju, the investigating officer, along with other officials, disclosed the arrest details at a press meet at the DSP office.
Police presented the two accused during briefing and registered a murder case (Crime No. 22/2026) under Sections of BNS at Markapuram Rural police station.
Police identified the accused as owner-cum-driver P Haribabu alias Hari Krishna (43) from Jarravaripalem in Kaligiri mandal, SPSR Nellore district, and driver P Yuvaraju alias Yuva (21) from Markandapuram in Pamuru mandal of Markapuram district.
According to police, Haribabu operated a travel agency and purchased a second-hand bus from Hyderabad, deploying it on the Jagityal–Kaligiri route after modifications.
He allegedly allowed Yuvaraju to drive without a valid licence.
Police said the bus developed repeated sensor issues and broke down thrice during the journey. Despite being informed, Haribabu allegedly asked the driver to continue after minor repairs. The bus later halted again near Palem toll plaza.
About an hour later, the bus collided with a granite-laden tipper near a hill turn at Rayavaram on NH-565.
Police arrested the accused near Rayavaram bridge and will produce them before a court. Officials said rescue teams shifted 29 injured passengers to hospital promptly.