The low-floor AC Volvo bus that was conducting service along the Ernakulam-Paravoor route has been forced to cancel its services owing to the apathy of the Aluva West Police, according to officials with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
The low-floor bus JNK-21, running on the Eranakulam-Paravoor-Perumbavoor route had met with an accident at Alangad, Paravoor on April 28 leaving a dent in its side glass. On April 28, the police were diverting all the vehicles through a different route. Since the driver of the bus was unfamiliar with the route, he lost control and the bus rammed on the side post.
According to norms, whenever a KSRTC bus meets with a minor or major accident, the details of the accident has to be entered at the police station concerned where the accident took place. However, in this case, the officials at the Aluva West station refused to take any steps in this regard, KSRTC officials said.
Despite frequent reminders to the police station and the SI, there has been no positive response, the officials stated.
According to the KSRTC officials, the police is refusing to take necessary action citing personal differences with the driver. “We are being forced to cancel two profitable services per day since we are unable to take the bus out for service. Unless the police enter the details in their diary, it is impossible for us to roll out the bus,” the officials said.
They added that the SI was abusing his power. “The driver has admitted his fault, but the SI is unwilling to relent due to personal differences,” KSRTC Ernakulam depot staff said. The Ernakulam officials have lodged a complaint with Aluva SP Satish Bino. However, the SP is also yet to respond to the matter.
Meanwhile, Aluva West SI Anoop said that there were many police procedures which have to be completed. “It is not always possible to do whatever the KSRTC officials ask us to,” said Anoop.